Smart Healthcare: Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Procedural Devices and Apps Changing How We Care
Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Procedural Devices and Apps
mHealth (mobile health care), through diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural devices and apps, is revolutionizing patient care. In 2018, 75% of US consumers agreed that technology plays a crucial role in managing their health. Intelligent devices and apps are increasingly accepted as they provide convenience, allowing individuals to monitor and manage aspects of their health independently (Resnick, 2019). Self-service digital health tools have seen significant growth as more patients and healthcare providers utilize these devices and applications.
While these devices are widely used, identifying safe and effective ones can be challenging. There are thousands of unregulated apps and devices available, and many fail to meet their promises. Ferretti et al. (2019) highlight the regulatory gap:
“In most countries, medical device regulation applies only to a subset of high-risk health apps with well-defined medical purposes. However, most health apps available on the market target a wide range of health-related issues, including diet and exercise, pregnancy, and mental health, while still being considered nonmedical devices.” (p. e55)
Table: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Devices—Key Insights
| Device/App Type | Regulatory Body | Usage | Considerations for Safety | Example Devices/Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Devices | FDA (US), EU MDR | Disease detection | Ensure device is FDA or CE certified | Blood glucose monitors, ECG apps |
| Therapeutic Devices | FDA, Medical Authorities | Treatment and therapy | Check for hospital or clinic approval | Wearables, TENS units |
| Procedural Devices/Apps | Hospital Protocols | Surgical and procedural support | Follow hospital guidelines for usage | Robotics-assisted surgery apps |
| Virtual Health Apps | Not always regulated | Telehealth and virtual care | Choose peer-reviewed, vetted apps | Teladoc, Amwell |
| Wearables | Consumer Gadgets | Monitoring health data | Ensure accurate data tracking | Fitbit, Apple Watch |
National Institute of Health – for further reading on diagnostic technologies.
The Rise of Virtual Health and Its Benefits
Virtual health care technologies have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with healthcare providers embracing these tools to ensure continuous patient contact. Virtual care can encompass digital wellness tools, telehealth consultations, and even virtual medicine. As many as 20% of all medical visits in 2020 utilized virtual health technologies, a trend that is expected to continue (Schrimpf et al., n.d.).
Benefits of Virtual Care:
- Improved access to care
- Better management of chronic conditions
- Reduced healthcare costs
- Enhanced patient convenience
- Data-driven decisions via remote monitoring
For healthcare professionals, particularly Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), virtual health technologies allow for more efficient, personalized care that can bridge gaps in traditional healthcare delivery.
Point of Care Devices (POC) and Their Growing Relevance
Point of care (POC) devices provide immediate diagnostic results close to the patient. These devices enable APRNs to assess conditions such as blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and cardiac markers in real time. POC devices are invaluable due to their portability and speed, offering rapid, actionable results that can streamline patient care decisions.
Common POC applications include:
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Cholesterol analysis
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Infection markers and blood gas levels
Wearable Technology: More Than Just a Gadget
Wearable technology, often thought of as consumer gadgets, is transforming into essential healthcare tools. From smartwatches that monitor heart rates to devices that track glucose levels, wearables enable APRNs to partner with patients in unprecedented ways. The data collected from wearables can help APRNs monitor patients remotely, assess lifestyle choices, and adjust care plans accordingly.
For example, Intelligent Asthma Monitoring devices can predict asthma attacks, allowing patients to take preventative measures before symptoms escalate. Wearables today can measure everything from steps to sleep patterns to vital signs, bridging the gap between home care and clinical oversight.
Genomic Technologies and Personalized Care
Advances in genetic and genomic technologies have unlocked new possibilities in personalized medicine. These technologies allow APRNs to identify patients’ risks for certain conditions, enabling preventative care strategies. Nurses trained in genomics can offer specialized care to those with a genetic predisposition to conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Genetic tests, such as liquid biopsies, are especially promising for cancer patients. These tests can detect circulating cancer cells, providing insights into tumor evolution and treatment efficacy without invasive procedures (National Cancer Institute, n.d.). This approach allows for more precise treatment planning and can lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing cancer therapies.
Wearables, Apps, and the Future of Chronic Disease Management
Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension has become easier with the advent of smart devices and mobile apps. mHealth apps enable patients to track vital signs, medication schedules, and even emotional health, providing APRNs with real-time data to better manage these conditions.
One notable example is continuous glucose monitoring devices, which track blood sugar levels and send data to both patients and healthcare providers. These devices can significantly improve disease management outcomes and provide APRNs with critical insights into a patient’s condition in real time.
FAQs: Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Procedural Devices and Apps
Q: How can APRNs decide which mHealth apps are safe to use?
A: APRNs should consult hospital guidelines, read product reviews, and look for peer-reviewed studies. Collaborating with informatics professionals and biomedical engineers can also help ensure the safety and efficacy of selected devices.
Q: Are all wearable devices considered medical devices?
A: No. Many wearables, while useful for monitoring health metrics, are classified as consumer gadgets and are not regulated as medical devices unless they have a direct medical application.
Q: What should I look for in virtual health apps?
A: Choose apps that are endorsed by healthcare institutions or have been vetted by hospital IT and security teams to ensure data privacy and integration with Electronic Health Records (EHRs).
Q: How do liquid biopsies differ from traditional tissue biopsies?
A: Liquid biopsies are non-invasive blood tests that detect cancer markers, making them safer, quicker, and more affordable than tissue biopsies. They are also useful in tracking treatment progress over time.
Q: Are there risks associated with using unregulated health apps?
A: Yes. Many unregulated apps make exaggerated claims and may not provide accurate data. Always choose apps that have been reviewed by medical professionals or trusted sources.
The dynamic field of diagnostic, therapeutic, and procedural devices and apps offers APRNs the opportunity to deliver enhanced, personalized care. From virtual health platforms to point-of-care diagnostics and wearable devices, healthcare technology is reshaping patient outcomes and improving access to care globally. By staying informed about these developments, APRNs can integrate cutting-edge tools into their practice, benefiting both their patients and the broader healthcare system.