The Transformation of Health Care for Patients: Information and Communication Technology, Digiceuticals, and Digitally Enabled Care

The way patients access care and interact with health care systems is rapidly changing through the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Health care is being transformed through digital innovations, such as wearable technology, remote monitoring, patient portals, mobile applications (apps), and new service models such as telemedicine and virtual visits. Through a review of the current literature, this article presents the use of digitally enabled tools and ICT, including electronic health records, telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health apps. These effective and innovative digitally enabled tools have expanded options for patients interested in actively engaging in their own health. Information and communication technology can improve health outcomes, enhance the patient experience, and curtail costs. Providers must stay fluent with ICT options to best collaborate with patients. Although providers recognize that patient-centered care can improve effectiveness and efficiency, many have been slow to incorporate digital therapeutics, or "digiceuticals," into practice.