Understanding digital therapeutics in disease self-management: A systematic literature review

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into disease self-management by patients has empowered healthcare delivery. Digital therapeutics (DTx) holds immense promise in improving patient outcomes through personalized and evidence-based interventions. However, existing research predominantly focuses on DTx applications in specific diseases or limited aspects and, thus, neglects a thorough exploration of fundamental concepts, underlying principles, and frameworks. To address this gap, we systematically reviewed the literature and analyzed 292 relevant articles between 2015 and 2023 from 7 main databases. Our study proposed a comprehensive conceptual framework for analyzing existing DTx literature, including (1) development, (2) system design, (3) evaluation, and (4) privacy concerns. Furthermore, we identified potential research opportunities for each theme. This study contributes to a systematic understanding of DTx research and its potential to advance medical outcomes in intervention practices. By bridging the existing knowledge gaps, our research paves the way for a more comprehensive and evidence-based approach to implementing DTx in patient disease self-management.