Cutting-Edge Technologies for Digital Therapeutics: A Review and Architecture Proposals for Future Directions

Yoo, Joo Hun; Jeong, Harim; Chung, Tai-Myoung

doi:10.3390/app13126929

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 51 publications

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“…Because digital health or DTx requires self-management and system utilization by the user, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) becomes an essential aspect. Specifically, appropriate guidance should be integrated within the system to ensure users can easily navigate digital health systems ( 19 ).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deep breathing in your hands: designing and assessing a DTx mobile app

Jeong,

Yoo,

Goh

et al. 2024

Front. Digit. Health

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Digital Therapeutics (DTx) are experiencing rapid advancements within mobile and mental healthcare sectors, with their ubiquity and enhanced accessibility setting them apart as uniquely effective solutions. In this evolving context, our research focuses on deep breathing, a vital technique in mental health management, aiming to optimize its application in DTx mobile platforms. Based on well-founded theories, we introduced a gamified and affordance-driven design, facilitating intuitive breath control. To enhance user engagement, we deployed the Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC)-driven personalized machine learning method for accurate biofeedback visualization. To assess our design, we enlisted 70 participants, segregating them into a control and an intervention group. We evaluated Heart Rate Variability (HRV) metrics and collated user experience feedback. A key finding of our research is the stabilization of the Standard Deviation of the NN Interval (SDNN) within Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is critical for stress reduction and overall health improvement. Our intervention group observed a pronounced stabilization in SDNN, indicating significant stress alleviation compared to the control group. This finding underscores the practical impact of our DTx solution in managing stress and promoting mental health. Furthermore, in the assessment of our intervention cohort, we observed a significant increase in perceived enjoyment, with a notable 22% higher score and 10.69% increase in positive attitudes toward the application compared to the control group. These metrics underscore our DTx solution’s effectiveness in improving user engagement and fostering a positive disposition toward digital therapeutic efficacy. Although current technology poses challenges in seamlessly incorporating machine learning into mobile platforms, our model demonstrated superior effectiveness and user experience compared to existing solutions. We believe this result demonstrates the potential of our user-centric machine learning techniques, such as gamified and affordance-based approaches with MFCC, which could contribute significantly to the field of mobile mental healthcare.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deep breathing in your hands: designing and assessing a DTx mobile app

Jeong,

Yoo,

Goh

et al. 2024

Front. Digit. Health

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“…The digital healthcare market continues to expand, driven by the benefits of delivering effective treatments at a more affordable cost than traditional medical services and better accessibility [7]. As the technology evolved, a new market, officially termed 'Digital Therapeutics' (DTx), has emerged, identified by their products that have undergone Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials to validate their efficacy [9]. Unlike conventional digital healthcare services, DTx values usability and emphasizes proven therapeutic efficacy, requiring clinical validation [10].…”

Section: Digital Therapeutics For Mental Healthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual Agents in DTx: Focusing on Usability and Therapeutic Effectiveness

Jeong,

Yoo,

Goh

et al. 2023

Electronics

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In the emergent field of digital therapeutics (DTx), this study examines the impact of virtual agent design on usability and therapeutic outcomes. Emphasizing the virtual agent’s role, our research highlights a marked therapeutic effect tied to the DTx’s developed parameters. Continuous usage, influenced by perceived usefulness, user attitudes, and intrinsic enjoyment, emerges as a crucial determinant for desired outcomes. The study finds anthropomorphism and agent likeability as pivotal factors in enhancing user experience and promoting sustained DTx use. Although focusing on mental health, particularly depression, the implications suggest varied results across DTx types. Given these insights, our findings advocate for a deeper exploration into agent-centric DTx designs, particularly in mental health applications. The nuances of user engagement with these therapeutic tools, especially in treating conditions like depression, demonstrate a diverse range of effects and underscore the importance of personalized approaches in digital therapeutics. This study’s outcomes not only shed light on the significant role of virtual agents but also call for continuous innovation and research in this evolving domain.

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