Digital health applications – a digital solution for the health of the future?

Abstract

The smartphone is the epitome of technical innovation in recent decades. It is part of everyday life for many people – why not use it to promote health with evidence-based applications? Germany is the first country in the world to include evidence-based digital health applications in the service portfolio of its health insurance companies. There is a lack of resources in various medical specialities. Digital health applications can be a solution to support people and promote sustainable medical care. The benefits are obvious, but the utilisation rates are low. However, it can provide access to better healthcare for a large part of the population that is otherwise not considered in the debate. Some European countries have recognised the potential, but it remains to be seen how this digital solution will set up itself in the future. This Perspective Article is intended as a stimulus to integrate digital health applications into the debates on digitally enhanced healthcare, as the social impact is crucial. It therefore addresses the question of whether digital health applications can be a solution for the future.