Digital technology has given researchers the ability to investigate, develop, and implement new digital interventions. However, technology in its current form limits virtual interactions between patients, providers, and healthcare payers. Obstacles, such as device connectivity to the Internet, still pose limits on provider access and care for patients. For mental and behavioral healthcare, technology has also limited certain clinical practice tools.
Technological approaches still have limited efficacy when considering the full scope of mental and behavioral health interventions, such as art therapy, because of the emotional component that is felt when a patient and provider are physically present.
“Digital health in its current form prevents the ability for providers to have a deeper interaction with their patients or to identify gaps in the patient’s medical narrative when observing non-verbal cues,” explained Dr. Carrion. As a result, Dr. Aratow conveyed, these technological limits could lead to gaps in care and communication for patients.