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Digital innovations are not just flashy health apps or expensive, complicated equipment. They can be as simple as downloadable patient information sheets or an online CPD system. A digital innovation is often just a digital way of doing things differently. It is something that should complement a physiotherapist’s practice, not replace it. The best digital technology is developed with input from clinicians and is designed to solve specific challenges in daily practice.
In the healthcare sector, there have been many digital innovations. It's key that we ensure these new tools benefit the patient and meet appropriate standards. Did you know there are well over 327,000 different health apps available?
Unfortunately, many of these apps are ineffective and outdated. As a result, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published an Evidence Standards Framework for Digital Healthcare Technologies. This lays out how an evidence-based system centring on the user should be developed and implemented.
We need to make sure all new innovations are created with the patient in mind and follow evidence-based practice.
Digital healthcare technologies do not need to attend any standard framework that insures effectiveness.