Lessons from Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Digital Healthcare

Abstract

We live in a digital world where a variety of wearable medical devices are available. These technologies enable us to measure our health in our daily lives. It is increasingly possible to manage our own health directly through data gathered from these wearable devices. Likewise, healthcare professionals have also been able to indirectly monitor patients' health. Healthcare professionals have accepted that digital technologies will play an increasingly important role in healthcare. Wearable technologies allow better collection of personal medical data, which healthcare professionals can use to improve the quality of healthcare provided to the public. The use of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMS) is the most representative and desirable case in the adoption of digital technology in healthcare. Using the case of CGMS and examining its use from the perspective of healthcare professionals, this paper discusses the necessary adjustments required in clinical practices. There is a need for various stakeholders, such as medical staff, patients, industry partners, and policy-makers, to utilize and harness the potential of digital technology.

Towards Telemedicine Adoption in Korea: 10 Practical Recommendations for Physicians

“… 14 For example, in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), telemedicine is recommended only for matters related to blood sugar control or the evaluation of related complications. 15 16 If a patient with DM experiences sudden abdominal pain or headache, face-to-face treatment is preferred. In other words, continuity between face-to-face treatment and telemedicine is important.…”

“…Traditionally, medical devices and platforms are essential for telemedicine for health care. 1 2 11 Once physicians have determined the target disease and method for telemedicine, they need to select medical devices and platforms to be used: for example, a glucometer device for people with DM 16 22 and a blood pressure for people with hypertension. 23 If the hospital aims to manage sleep disorders, an appropriate medical device and platform need to be selected.…”

“…In the case of a local clinic where it is difficult to organize a team, it is a good idea to reduce the scope of telemedicine or collaborate with a tertiary hospital. In Korea, the “Digital Health Coordinating Center (DHCC)” 8 16 25 28 would be ideal for this purpose. To ensure the proper use of the medical device and the platform, the patient's ability to access and use these services and technologies may also be considered.…”

“…Therefore, the above 10 recommendations are most necessary to start telemedicine practice in a local clinic with the support of a tertiary hospital (the DHCC in this case). 8 16 25 28 All types of treatment involved in patient telemedicine are operated by the local clinic, but all the know-how and methods necessary for the telemedicine process, making of CP, and monitoring are managed by the DHCC. This is the reason for recommending the separation of treatments carried out at local clinics and the management of other aspects carried out at the DHCC.…”

Digital health and diabetes: experience from India

“…17 CGMs demonstrate the accomplishment of digital healthcare by fully making use of its three components: the medical device, the data-mining engine platform, and the data-driven medical feedback. 18…”