The Role of a Smart Health Ecosystem in Transforming the Management of Chronic Health Conditions.

Journal: Journal of medical Internet research
Published Date:

Abstract

The effective management of chronic conditions requires an approach that promotes a shift in care from the clinic to the home, improves the efficiency of health care systems, and benefits all users irrespective of their needs and preferences. Digital health can provide a solution to this challenge, and in this paper, we provide our vision for a smart health ecosystem. A smart health ecosystem leverages the interoperability of digital health technologies and advancements in big data and artificial intelligence for data collection and analysis and the provision of support. We envisage that this approach will allow a comprehensive picture of health, personalization, and tailoring of behavioral and clinical support; drive theoretical advancements; and empower people to manage their own health with support from health care professionals. We illustrate the concept with 2 use cases and discuss topics for further consideration and research, concluding with a message to encourage people with chronic conditions, their caregivers, health care professionals, policy and decision makers, and technology experts to join their efforts and work toward adopting a smart health ecosystem.

Authors

  • Rebecca Nourse
    School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.
  • Tilman Dingler
    School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Jaimon Kelly
    Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
  • Dominika Kwasnicka
    NHMRC CRE in Digital Technology to Transform Chronic Disease Outcomes, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Ralph Maddison
    School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia.