Healthc Inform Res.  2023 Jul;29(3):190-198. 10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.190.

Exploring the Category and Use Cases on Digital Therapeutic Methodologies

• An S
• Ko J
• Yu KS
• Kwon H
• Kim S
• Hong J
• Kong HJ

• KMID: 2544870
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2023.29.3.190

Abstract

Objectives
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution advances, there is a growing interest in digital technology. In particular, the use of digital therapeutics (DTx) in healthcare is anticipated to reduce medical expenses. However, analytical research on DTx is still insufficient to fuel momentum for future DTx development. The purpose of this article is to analyze representative cases of different types of DTx from around the world and to propose a classification system.
Methods
In this exploratory study examining DTx interaction types and representative cases, we conducted a literature review and selected seven interaction types that were utilized in a large number of cases. Then, we evaluated the specific characteristics of each DTx mechanism by reviewing the relevant literature, analyzing their indications and treatment components. A representative case for each mechanism was provided.
Results
Cognitive behavioral therapy, distraction therapy, graded exposure therapy, reminiscence therapy, art therapy, therapeutic exercise, and gamification are the seven categories of DTx interaction types. Illustrative examples of each variety are provided.
Conclusions
Efforts from both the government and private sector are crucial for success, as standardization can decrease both the expense and the time required for government-led DTx development. The private sector should partner with medical facilities to stimulate potential demand, carry out clinical research, and produce scholarly evidence.

Keyword

Digital Technology, Behavior Control, Virtual Reality, Patient Compliance, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Figure

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  Figure 1 Screenshot of AIMMED’s Somzz application. The application tracks the factors influencing insomnia, whether or not to take sleeping pills, and the cycle. Reproduced with permission from AIMMED.

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  Figure 2 Screen capture of a pain relief program using the RelieVRx device (https://www.relievrx.com). RelieVRx can distract users from their pain through immersive games.

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  Figure 3 Virtual reality screen capture of EASYHEiGHTS’ acrophobia exposure therapy from the website at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Unibas.GVR_EasyHeights&hl=ko&gl=US.

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  Figure 4 Patient receiving dementia care through LookBack (https://www.virtue.io/lookback). LookBack provides the time and place desired by the patient using virtual reality head-mounted display.

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  Figure 5 Screen capture of the Rehabilitation Gaming System (https://www.eodyne.com/rgs-products/full-body). It is designed to engage patients in task-specific training scenarios that adapt to their performance.

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  Figure 6 Screen capture of the EndeavorRx game (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.akiliinteractive.t01&hl=en_US&gl=US). EndeavorRx’s gameplay adapts to each child, and parents can follow children’s progress via the EndeavorRx Insight app.

Reference

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