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Introduction to Digital Health
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:39:17
Abstract
Today, we face the challenge of chronic conditions. Personal coaching approaches are neither scalable nor financially sustainable. The question arises, therefore, to which degree Digital Health Interventions (DHIs) are appropriate to address this challenge. In this lecture, students will learn about the need for, as well as the design, implementation, and assessment of DHIs.
Objective
At the intersection of information systems research, computer science, behavioural medicine, and health economics, this CAS module has the objective of helping participants better understand the relevance and key characteristics of DHIs. After the course, students will be able to: 1. understand the relevance of DHIs for the prevention and management non-communicable diseases (NCDs) 2. understand key characteristics of digital health interventions (e.g., states of vulnerability and receptivity, digital biomarker, health care chatbots and voice assistants) 3. understand digital health business models.
Content
The first module of the CAS in Digital Health provides an overview of the global epidemic of non-communicable disease (NCDs). Digital Health interventions (DHIs) are introduced as one approach of offering better support and treatment to people affected by NCDs. How can DHIs be leveraged in healthcare and in private capacity? To this end, the most important business models for DHIs are analyzed. The topics are: 1. The health and economic burden of NCDs 2. Key characteristics of of DHIs 3. Business models for DHIs This CAS module consists of live sessions and complementary online lessons. Live input sessions are used to introduce and discuss the course topics. Complementary learning material (e.g., video and audio clips), multiple-choice questions and individual exercises are provided online to deepen the knowledge acquired in the input sessions.
Resources
Literature
1. Castro, O., Mair, J. L., … Kowatsch, T. (2023). Development of “LvL UP 1.0”: a smartphone-based, conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and common mental disorders. Frontiers in Digital Health, 5. 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1039171 2. Collins, L. M. (2018). Optimization of Behavioral, Biobehavioral, and Biomedical Interventions: The Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST). Springer. 10.1007/978-3-319-72206-1 3. Gilbert, S., Harvey, H., Melvin, T. et al. (2023). Large language model AI chatbots require approval as medical devices. Nature Medicine. 10.1038/s41591-023-02412-6 4. Jacobson, N., Kowatsch, T., & Marsch, L. (Eds.). (2023). Digital Therapeutics for Mental Health and Addiction: The State of the Science and Vision for the Future (1st ed.). Elsevier, Academic Press. 10.1016/C2020-0-02801-X. 5. Kowatsch, T., Otto, L., Harperink, S. et al. (2019). A design and evaluation framework for digital health interventions. it – Information Technology, 61(5-6), 253-263. 10.1515/itit-2019-0019 6. Kowatsch, T., & Fleisch, E. (2021). Digital Health Interventions. In O. Gassmann & F. Ferrandina (Eds.), Connected Business: Create Value in a Networked Economy (pp. 71-95). Springer International Publishing. 10.1007/978-3-030-76897-3_4 7. Kowatsch, T., Schachner, T., Harperink, S. et al. (2021). Conversational Agents as Mediating Social Actors in Chronic Disease Management Involving Healthcare Professionals, Patients, and Family Members: Intervention Design and Results from a Multi-site, Single-arm Feasibility Study. J Med Internet Res, 23(2). 10.2196/25060 8. Kowatsch, T., Lohse, K.-M., Erb, V. et al. (2021). Hybrid Ubiquitous Coaching With a Novel Combination of Mobile and Holographic Conversational Agents Targeting Adherence to Home Exercises: Four Design and Evaluation Studies. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 23(2). 10.2196/23612 9. Mishra, V., Künzler, F., Kramer, J.-N., Fleisch, E., Kowatsch, T., & Kotz, D. (2021). Detecting Receptivity for mHealth Interventions in the Natural Environment. Proc. ACM Interact. Mob. Wearable Ubiquitous Technol., 5(2), Article 74. 10.1145/3463492 10. Nahum-Shani, I., Smith, S. N., Spring, B. J. et al. (2018). Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in Mobile Health: Key Components and Design Principles for Ongoing Health Behavior Support. Ann Behav Med, 52(6), 446-462. 10.1007/s12160-016-9830-8 11. Sim, I. (2019). Mobile Devices and Health. N Engl J Med, 381(10), 956-968. 10.1056/NEJMra1806949 12. Wang, C., Lee, C., & Shin, H. (2023). Digital therapeutics from bench to bedside. npj Digital Medicine, 6(1), 38. 10.1038/s41746-023-00777-z
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- WBZ , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Introduction to Digital Health
1. 2-Day Kick-Off Workshop:
Monday, 5 Feb 2024, 12.00 - 17.00 /Tuesday, 6 Feb 2024, 08.00 - 14.00 (on-site in the mountains)
2. Key characteristics of DHIs: Friday, 16 Feb 2024, 13.00 - 17.00 (online via Zoom)
3. Business models for DHIs: Friday, 1 March 2024, 13.00 - 17.00 (online via Zoom)
|
No time listed | 19 h semesterly |