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Innovative Digital Health Technologies and Their Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 April 2025 | Viewed by 15106

Special Issue Editor

Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen, 28719 Bremen, Germany
Interests: health; biochemical engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Digital health technologies have witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing healthcare practices and improving patient outcomes. Integrating innovative digital solutions in the healthcare sector has paved the way for a new era of personalized medicine, enhanced diagnostics, and efficient disease management. In this Special Issue, titled "Digital Health Technologies and Their Applications", we aim to explore the latest developments, challenges, and potential applications of digital health technologies in various healthcare domains.

This Special Issue will provide a platform to present cutting-edge research and insights into utilizing digital health technologies. From telemedicine platforms and wearable devices to artificial intelligence and data analytics, digital health technologies encompass a broad range of tools that have the potential to reshape the healthcare landscape. By examining their impact on healthcare delivery, patient engagement, and disease prevention, this Special Issue seeks to highlight the transformative potential of digital health technologies.

Dr. Ishan Ghai
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • healthcare
  • antibiotic resistance
  • gut microbiome

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 3892 KiB  
Article
PAR: Towards a Reference Architecture for Accessible Platforms in Respiratory Therapies
by Marco Santórum, Mayra Carrión-Toro, David Morales-Martínez, Verónica Maldonado-Garcés, Gloria Acosta-Vargas and Patricia Acosta-Vargas
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(2), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14020840 - 19 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2047
Abstract
This article focuses on the Accessible Platform for Respiratory Therapies (PAR), designed according to the iPlus methodology with the application of usability and accessibility criteria, following the guidelines of WCAG 2.1. PAR aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with lung [...] Read more.
This article focuses on the Accessible Platform for Respiratory Therapies (PAR), designed according to the iPlus methodology with the application of usability and accessibility criteria, following the guidelines of WCAG 2.1. PAR aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with lung diseases by providing therapeutic education to patients in respiratory recovery. This approach aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 10 and follows a user-centered design, facilitating access to treatments and techniques to enhance pulmonary function. Additionally, the platform promotes the education and training of professionals in respiratory therapies, reducing disparities in access to healthcare. Sustainability is strengthened by integrating telemedicine technologies, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. Implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 ensures accessibility and usability for all individuals, including those with disabilities. The combination of WCAG 2.1 and the CSUQ questionnaire not only ensures accessibility but also contributes to sustainability and overall improvement of the user experience, even for individuals with cognitive disabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Digital Health Technologies and Their Applications)
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Review

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23 pages, 2405 KiB  
Review
AI Chatbots for Mental Health: A Scoping Review of Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Applications
by Mirko Casu, Sergio Triscari, Sebastiano Battiato, Luca Guarnera and Pasquale Caponnetto
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5889; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135889 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 10385
Abstract
Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is a global shortage of mental health professionals. AI chatbots have emerged as a potential solution, offering accessible and scalable mental health interventions. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review [...] Read more.
Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is a global shortage of mental health professionals. AI chatbots have emerged as a potential solution, offering accessible and scalable mental health interventions. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of AI chatbots in treating mental health conditions. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycNet, as well as using AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot and Consensus. Relevant studies on AI chatbot interventions for mental health were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers. The search yielded 15 eligible studies covering various application areas, such as mental health support during COVID-19, interventions for specific conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use disorders), preventive care, health promotion, and usability assessments. AI chatbots demonstrated potential benefits in improving mental and emotional well-being, addressing specific mental health conditions, and facilitating behavior change. However, challenges related to usability, engagement, and integration with existing healthcare systems were identified. AI chatbots hold promise for mental health interventions, but widespread adoption hinges on improving usability, engagement, and integration with healthcare systems. Enhancing personalization and context-specific adaptation is key. Future research should focus on large-scale trials, optimal human–AI integration, and addressing ethical and social implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Digital Health Technologies and Their Applications)
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13 pages, 651 KiB  
Review
Psychological Factors, Digital Health Technologies, and Best Asthma Management as Three Fundamental Components in Modern Care: A Narrative Review
by Pasquale Caponnetto, Graziella Chiara Prezzavento, Mirko Casu, Riccardo Polosa and Maria Catena Quattropani
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 3365; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14083365 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1965
Abstract
New digital interventions have shown potential in managing asthma and improving patients’ quality of life compared with conventional interventions. Our objective was to conduct an exhaustive survey of the application of digital health technologies in evaluating, treating, and self-managing psychological and psychopathological elements [...] Read more.
New digital interventions have shown potential in managing asthma and improving patients’ quality of life compared with conventional interventions. Our objective was to conduct an exhaustive survey of the application of digital health technologies in evaluating, treating, and self-managing psychological and psychopathological elements linked to asthma. We analyzed a compendium of research papers pertaining to asthma, encompassing themes such as outdoor air pollution, early life wheezing disorders, atopic dermatitis, digital strategies for asthma self-management, psychiatric conditions and asthma, familial impacts on pediatric asthma, and the utilization of mobile health apps for managing asthma. We scrutinized six chosen studies to evaluate the capacity of digital health technologies to enhance the management and treatment outcomes of psychological factors related to asthma. The studies under review indicate that eHealth interventions, mixed reality instruments, mHealth technology-augmented nurse-led interventions, and smartphone apps incorporating Bluetooth-enabled sensors for asthma inhalers can markedly enhance self-management of symptoms, quality of life, and mental health outcomes, particularly in children and adolescents with asthma. Nonetheless, additional research is required to ascertain their efficacy and practicability across diverse populations and environments. Customized interventions that cater to the unique needs and preferences of asthma patients and associated psychological elements are vital to ensure the persistent and equitable adoption of these technologies. We underscore the significance of addressing psychological elements in the management and treatment of asthma and advocate for ongoing research and development in this domain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Digital Health Technologies and Their Applications)
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