Abstract
The growing number of digital health apps (DHapps) has led to a need for quality assurance. With over 200,000 DHapps in the market, concerns about their efficacy and safety are high. This study aims to establish a comprehensive quality framework for DHapp development and evaluation, addressing the challenges of an overcrowded marketplace and potential hazards associated with subpar DHapps. The methodology involves a rigorous literature study, identifying gaps in evaluation methodologies, and analyzing diverse sources to identify critical patterns and limitations. The study concludes with a detailed quality framework tailored for DHapps, rooted in theoretical foundations and practical insights. This framework sets stringent standards for app development and evaluation, ensuring DHapps are thoroughly vetted for effectiveness and safety. Implementing this framework will guide developers and instill confidence in healthcare providers and users, fostering a future where digital health apps significantly enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
TopIntroduction
Integrating smartphones, tablets, and digital health apps into surgical practices has reshaped the healthcare landscape, offering innovative solutions to enhance patient care and improve surgical outcomes (Bidgoli, 2023). In recent years, these portable communication devices have become indispensable tools in the hands of healthcare professionals, revolutionizing the way surgeries are performed and patients are cared for (Battineni et al., 2023). This section serves as a comprehensive exploration of the significant impact and transformative potential these technologies hold within surgery. By delving into a wealth of substantial evidence and compelling arguments, this chapter illuminates the pivotal role played by smartphones, tablets, and digital health apps in revolutionizing surgical procedures and patient experiences. This section tries to give a comprehensive knowledge of how these technologies are crucial in developing the field of surgery, opening the way for safer, more accurate, and patient-centered healthcare procedures, and it does so by drawing on extensive research and analysis. As we delve deeper into the various domains of surgical applications, a holistic view emerges, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits these technologies offer to both healthcare providers and patients alike. Surgeons can leverage the insights from this research to implement advanced techniques using smartphones, tablets, and digital health apps in various surgical procedures. They can enhance patient care by adopting innovative diagnostic methods, operative planning tools, and real-time monitoring applications. Healthcare professionals can make informed decisions based on the data and studies presented in the research. Understanding the effectiveness and safety of these technologies empowers them to choose appropriate tools for specific surgical scenarios, leading to improved patient outcomes. The results of this study may be utilized as a springboard for future, more in-depth studies of particular aspects of surgical practice. Academic institutions can design curricula incorporating digital health technologies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-versed in utilizing these tools effectively. The research findings could inform the design of novel surgical apps and equipment. Innovators can create prototypes based on the identified gaps and opportunities, fostering technological advancements in the field. Hospital administrators can strategize the integration of digital health apps and devices into existing healthcare systems. They can allocate resources effectively, train staff, and create protocols for implementing these technologies in surgical departments, enhancing overall hospital efficiency. The research can aid in evaluating the cost-effectiveness of adopting these technologies. Administrators can assess the long-term benefits and potential savings related to reduced hospital admissions, shorter recovery times, and improved patient satisfaction. Patients and their families can access reliable information about the benefits and risks of surgical procedures involving digital health technologies. Informed patients can participate in discussions with healthcare providers, making collaborative decisions regarding their treatment plans. Patient advocacy groups can use this knowledge to advocate for integrating patient-friendly digital health tools. They can raise awareness about the availability and effectiveness of these technologies, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. Regulatory bodies can use the research findings to develop guidelines and policies concerning using smartphones, tablets, and digital health apps in surgery. Clear regulations can ensure patient safety, data security, and standardization of practices across healthcare institutions. Policymakers can focus on establishing quality assurance standards for digital health applications. By applying the study's results in practice and conducting further research based on its foundations, the healthcare community can contribute to an evolving body of knowledge that not only advances the field of applied research but also fosters continuous improvement in patient care, healthcare delivery, and overall healthcare outcomes.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Telemedicine: Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology, particularly the internet and video conferencing, to provide healthcare services remotely. It enables healthcare professionals to conduct consultations, diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, and offer medical advice to patients located at a distance. Telemedicine enhances access to healthcare, especially in remote or underserved areas, and facilitates virtual interactions between patients and healthcare providers.
Surgical Procedures: Surgical procedures refer to medical interventions performed by healthcare professionals, such as surgeons, to treat diseases, injuries, or conditions within the body. These interventions involve manual or instrumental techniques to repair, remove, or replace affected tissues or organs. Surgical procedures can range from minor, outpatient interventions to complex, significant surgeries requiring specialized equipment and expertise.
Patient Care: Medical, psychological, and other forms of assistance provided to patients are together known as “patient care.” Diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of illnesses and disorders are all included. The greatest potential health results are achieved by treating the whole patient, including their physical, emotional, and mental health.
Digital Health: There are applications (or “apps”) for digital health that may be downloaded and installed on mobile and fixed computing devices. These apps are specifically developed to support healthcare professionals and patients by providing various health-related services, information, and tools for monitoring, managing, and improving health and well-being.
Health Apps: Health apps refer to the software programs developed specifically for use on smartphones once they have been downloaded and installed. These applications offer diverse functionalities, catering to various user needs such as communication, entertainment, productivity, and health-related tasks. In healthcare, smartphone applications can provide medical information, facilitate remote consultations, monitor health parameters, and support lifestyle management.