Digital health tools proliferate rapidly, offering potential to enhance patient care, engagement, and outcomes. Clinicians must evaluate these tools critically to recommend evidence-based applications.
Patient Portal Optimization
Patient portals enable secure communication and health information access. Encourage patients to use portals for appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and reviewing test results. Respond to portal messages professionally and timely—many systems bill for e-visits. Use portals to share educational resources and care instructions. However, portals can overwhelm patients with information—provide context when releasing results. Some systems allow patients to document symptoms and concerns before visits improving efficiency.
Symptom Checkers and Self-Care Apps
Symptom checker apps like Ada and Buoy Health use AI to triage concerns and suggest care levels. While imperfect, they may help patients determine when to seek care. Mental health apps provide CBT exercises, mood tracking, and crisis resources. Medication reminder apps improve adherence. Pain tracking apps document symptom patterns helping diagnosis. When recommending apps, consider evidence base, privacy practices, user experience, and cost. FDA oversight for medical apps remains limited—clinician guidance helps patients choose quality tools.