Application of blended care as a mechanism of action in the construction of digital therapeutics

Abstract

The article describes the use of blended care as a mechanism of action in the construction of a therapy that uses digital means to improve and support current clinical treatments. The so-called digital therapeutics provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions for patients, who are guided by software to prevent, manage, or treat a medical disorder or disease. They are used independently or together with drugs, devices, or other therapies to optimize patient care and health outcomes. They are similar to popular wellness applications, but with one key difference: they focus on providing clinical results. Broadly speaking, they are evidence-based behavioral treatments delivered online, which can increase accessibility of health care and its efficacy. It is a combination of activities involving face-to-face care and digital care, aiming to provide follow-up of patients' performance in their self-care. Regarding blended care, digital therapeutics acts as an extension of physical care. They are complementary, regardless of the proportion used of each, in the care process of the assisted individual. It works as a bridge between the traditional provision of face-to-face care and eHealth solutions.