Digital Health Adoption and Innovation: Psychological Benefits and Risks in the Future of Healthcare

Digital health innovations are revolutionizing today's healthcare models, unveiling unique prospects for boosting accessibility, personalized approaches, and seamless care. With technological innovations like telemedicine, health monitoring apps, remote tracking, and AI-assisted tools steadily integrating into healthcare, recognizing their psychological effects on both patients and healthcare professionals is becoming increasingly vital.

This study employed a systematic scoping review to examine the psychological effects of technology use in healthcare following the accelerated digital adoption observed after the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic literature search identified approximately 500 publications, of which 50 studies published after 2020 up to mid-2024 were included after excluding COVID-19-specific research, in order to avoid confounding effects. Findings from the included studies were synthesized to develop an analytical framework for understanding the psychological effects of technology use in both the delivery and receipt of healthcare services.

On a positive note, digital health has the potential to augment users’ perception of agency, foster self-efficacy in the management of chronic illnesses, alleviate anxiety associated with travel or prolonged waiting periods, and reinforce feelings of security through persistent support. Numerous individuals also report heightened motivation, enhanced engagement in therapeutic processes, and alleviation from geographic or social constraints.

Conversely, the digital transformation engenders several noteworthy psychological risks. A subset of users experiences anxiety when engaging with unfamiliar technologies or depending on automated systems, while apprehensions regarding data security and incessant monitoring may evoke feelings of vulnerability. The diminishment of in-person interactions may erode emotional bonds and trust between patients and clinicians, thereby exacerbating feelings of uncertainty or frustration. Moreover, individuals possessing limited digital competencies may encounter exclusion, resulting in diminished self-confidence and increased stress levels.

Comprehending both the advantages and challenges associated with digital health is paramount for the development of human-centered systems that safeguard psychological well-being and facilitate equitable healthcare innovation.