The Impact of Digital Health Technologies on Patient Self-Management and Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Digital health technologies consist of wearable sensors, mobile health apps, remote monitoring systems, and AI-enabled tools and are transforming how patients self-manage and monitor their health. New technologies empower patients to be proactive in their health management by providing real-time feedback, personalized health analytics, and easy connectivity to providers. Technologies enable patients to monitor vital signs, assess symptoms, and receive personalized interventions, promoting agency and better health outcomes for different populations. The review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies evaluating how digital health technologies impacted self-management of chronic disease, mental health, and prevention services, highlighting benefits such as patient empowerment, improved health outcomes, and decreased cost of health care, while critically discussing limitations including accessibility, data privacy, and ongoing patient engagement. Our findings indicate the importance of supporting holistic and patient-centred approaches, which are crucial in optimizing the effectiveness of digital health technologies to improve health equity and functioning in a more equitable and efficient health system, while maximizing quality of life.