Exploring the Need and Benefits of Digital Therapeutics (DTx) for the Management of Heart Failure in India

Abstract

Indian heart failure (HF) registries consistently indicate high hospital readmissions and increased mortality rates after HF diagnosis. The challenges of Indian cardiologists in HF management include limited longitudinal data, frequent readmissions, low medication adherence, inadequate monitoring and follow-up, insufficient patient education, and lack of standard guidelines on cardiac rehabilitation. This article outlines the adoption of digital therapeutics (DTx) in HF management as a potential solution to address these challenges. DTx services offer improved medication adherence, early symptom identification, remote vital monitoring, timely intervention, patient education on symptoms, self-awareness, and lifestyle. Overall, DTx for HF comprises a dedicated team of cardiologists, health coaches, care managers, and globally certified connected devices to provide comprehensive and proactive monitoring, personalized coaching and support, behavioral engagement to improve adherence, emergency response system, delivery of medications and diagnostic tests at home, and a dedicated application for caregivers. DTx has the potential to enhance HF management in India.

Keywords: cardiologist; medication adherence; patient education; readmissions; remote monitoring.

Figure 1. Potential of DTx for heart failure management in India

DTx: digital therapeutics, QOL: quality of life

Figure 2. Recent clinical trials and evidence on benefits offered by DTx

CR, cardiac rehabilitation; DTx, digital therapeutics; GDMT, guideline-directed medical therapy; HF, heart failure; RPM, remote patient monitoring