A Narrative Review on the Conceptual and Methodological Advancements in Digital Disruption: A Way to Improved Quality of Services in Health Care

Devika  Kanade; Shailendrakumar  Kale; Mamatha GS  Reddy; Ankita  Mathur

doi:10.18502/htaa.v8i4.16987

Devika Kanade Global Business School and Research Centre, Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Shailendrakumar Kale Global Business School and Research Centre, Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Mamatha GS Reddy Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India.
Ankita Mathur Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/htaa.v8i4.16987

Keywords: Digital Disruption; Telemedicine; COVID-19; Digital Health

Abstract

Background: The adoption and successful implementation of digital health solutions heavily depend on digital health literacy, which is particularly critical in the current COVID-19 era. Low levels of digital health literacy are associated with poor preventative practices, the spread of inaccurate information, vaccine hesitancy, and reduced subjective well-being. Thus, the aim of this review was to highlight areas of current scholarly interest and identify any gaps in the literature regarding conceptual and methodological advancements in digital disruption.

Methods: The authors conducted a literature search using the databases Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers released between 2003 and October 2023. The following keywords were used to conduct a thorough literature search: ((digital health OR digital disruption OR digital dental health)) AND (medical health OR telemedicine)), ((online doctor OR online consultation OR online health app)) AND (COVID-19 OR pandemic)). A total of 1,244 studies were screened, including duplicates and non- English research. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 articles were selected for the review.

Results: A total of 72 articles were included in this review. The studies discussed the potential reasons for disrupted access to healthcare, which is linked to avoidable hospital admissions. Delayed care due to disruptions can lead to disease progression, the exacerbation of existing conditions, and chronic ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. Digital health innovations were presented as solutions to enhance care, reduce clinical workload, and promote independent living.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and methodological advancements in digital technology related to healthcare. It demonstrates the potential of digital technology to revolutionize both medical and dental education.