Digital Therapeutics: Bridging Gaps in Chronic Care
New York, Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Digital therapeutics are emerging as pivotal in chronic care, offering personalized, clinically validated interventions that enhance patient outcomes and integrate seamlessly into hybrid care models.
The Rise of Digital Therapeutics
Digital therapeutics (DTx) represent a breakthrough in the management of chronic diseases, offering evidence-based, software-driven medical interventions that provide personalized, real-time monitoring and behavioral support. These interventions have demonstrated clinically significant outcomes, including a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels by 1.5% for patients with type 2 diabetes, improvements in blood pressure for hypertensive individuals, and non-pharmacologic treatment options for depression and anxiety [1].
Integrating Digital Therapeutics into Hybrid Care Models
As digital therapeutics become integral to chronic care, they are increasingly being incorporated into hybrid care models that combine digital and in-person services. These platforms often include continuous monitoring, AI-driven personalization, and behavioral nudges based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), catering to the complex, day-to-day needs of patients [2]. Sharma, Global Head of Healthcare at Brillio, emphasizes that digital therapeutics offer a dynamic, data-driven response to chronic care gaps, including real-time monitoring and workflow integration [2].
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the promise of digital therapeutics, their adoption faces several barriers, including regulatory, reimbursement, and digital access challenges. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies involving 3,264 participants revealed that while DTx interventions significantly reduced HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels, they did not show a significant impact on weight or blood pressure reduction [3]. Future efforts must address these challenges to ensure equitable access and maximize the potential of digital therapeutics in chronic care management [3].
The Potential of AI in Digital Therapeutics
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance digital therapeutics by continuously refining recommendations based on a broader data universe, including genomics and social determinants of health. This advancement can create a more seamless patient experience and a more informed provider ecosystem. The National Academy of Medicine highlights the importance of responsible AI development to harness its transformative potential in health and medicine [4].