As more digital health technology becomes available, consumers are becoming more willing to use these technologies as part of their health treatment. A recent report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) states that over half (54%) of consumers expressed an inclination to try an FDA-approved digital tool or app. 

The PwC survey, which included 1,750 US adults, also found that doctors are getting on board with digital tools for their patients. According to the survey:

• 77% of doctors have recommended an app or digital program to their patients.
• 66% said that the app/digital program helped with the patient’s treatment.

An important issue related to the use of digital tools and apps is validation of their safety and worthiness. FDA approval or clearance, formal registered clinical trials, observational studies/pilot programs and retroactive studies are all methods used to validate the efficacy and safety of digital tools and apps. Biopharmaceutical companies are working with digital health organizations to develop more tools for use in healthcare treatments.

The report goes on to state that as digital therapeutics emerge more and bring about more new medications, product reimbursement and regulatory oversight, we will see the establishment of new data sharing processes and payment models.