- Michael Roehl
In decades past most health systems were set up to provide uniform care to large numbers of people. This made economic sense as it allowed health care to benefit from economies of scale.
Not so long ago, creating tailor-made treatments for every individual would have been prohibitively expensive and challenging to say the least. However, driven by evolving patient expectations, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital revolution has been kicked into high gear. This has resulted in a fundamental conceptual shift regarding telemedicine – for patients and their doctors. Breakthroughs in data science and algorithms are making it increasingly possible for individuals to access health care, making universal healthcare a reality. With rapid technological advancement the way we access health care is being altered. Individuals who may not have been able to speak to a medical care practitioner – because of lack of insurance, mobility or time – can now receive basic healthcare. I refer to it as the democratization of healthcare.
Not so long ago, creating tailor-made treatments for every individual would have been prohibitively expensive and challenging to say the least. However, driven by evolving patient expectations, breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital revolution has been kicked into high gear. This has resulted in a fundamental conceptual shift regarding telemedicine – for patients and their doctors. Breakthroughs in data science and algorithms are making it increasingly possible for individuals to access health care, making universal healthcare a reality. With rapid technological advancement the way we access health care is being altered. Individuals who may not have been able to speak to a medical care practitioner – because of lack of insurance, mobility or time – can now receive basic healthcare. I refer to it as the democratization of healthcare.
So with this in mind, I would like to share with you my favorite 5 digital health apps:
- 1. Ada: anyone living in Berlin (like I do) has seen Ada ads plastered all over the underground transportation network. This popular app lets a user check their health by monitoring common symptoms like headache or fever.
- 2. Cara Care: founded in 2016, Cara Care is another Berlin home grown app. It helps people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and gut problems. In 2022 doctors in Germany will be able to prescribe this app to their patients.
- 3. Doctolib have you ever tried to get an appointment at your GP or medical specialist but couldn’t get through to the person taking calls? Doctolib has got you covered! This handy app allows patients to book appointments with local medical specialists saving them time and hassle.
- 4. CURE: what Lieferando is to food deliveries, CURE is to pharmacy. This app promises to deliver your (non)-prescription medicine to your door within 30 minutes of placing your order. The good news is that with the coming electronic prescriptions in March 2022 in Germany, patients will be able to get their prescription meds filled and delivered to their doorsteps too!
- 5. kaia health: for anyone who is suffering from back pain, this innovative technology is a godsend. It uses AI to provide feedback to users on exercises which they perform with the goal of reducing chronic back pain. The patented movement coach recognizes your movement patterns during your workout and gives you tips on how to perform your exercises safely and effectively.
The companies above are driving the digital revolution with strong offerings. I would be pleased to hear your which are your favorite apps. Feel free to send me your comments (for a future blog) c/o roehl@allied-clinical.com.
Please contact Mr. Michael Roehl,
Executive Director of ACM Recruiting, for further information:
roehl@allied-clinical.com
