In today’s digital age, technology is increasingly used in everyday life, and the health sector is no exception, as the development of countless technological aids has led to the advent of digital healthcare. This new digital healthcare era allows patients to play an increasingly direct and active part in the management of their health.
The use of digital technology for patients has also been experimented in the treatment of haemophilia, with the development of applications and digital devices of various kinds that help patients manage their illness.
These mainly take the form of apps that allow patients to record information on their current therapy regimen, receive notifications reminding them when they are due for an infusion and to record any bleeding episodes, in addition to web platforms that provide useful information on the disease and its treatment.
A recent study explored the potential benefits that digital services could have on the life of patients with haemophilia, and the results show that they could help improve compliance with replacement therapy, make patients more self-sufficient and facilitate the diffusion of useful information, especially amongst younger patients.
The study also suggested the ideal characteristics that smartphone apps for haemophiliacs should possess in order to meet their main needs; these include: the ability to provide information in a simple and captivating manner, the possibility to keep track of infusions and any bleeding episodes and the presence of a chat to facilitate communication between patients and between patients and specialists.
In accordance with the new patient-oriented approach to health, the future of haemophilia treatment could have a precious ally in digital technology.
Source:
Qian W. et al, Telehealth Interventions for Improving Self-Management in Patients With Hemophilia: Scoping Review of Clinical Studies. J Med Internet Res. (2019) 10;21(7):e12340.
