Bridging the Gap between Technology and Healthcare: Insights from Dr. Manthan Mehta (Part-3)
Welcome to part 3 and last part of our conversation with Dr. Manthan Mehta.
How do you, with the rapidly evolving nature of the medical field and digital therapeutics, stay updated on the latest research, advancements, and changes in technology to ensure accurate and up-to-date information and recommendations?
Dr. Manthan Mehta: There was a time when we solely relied on random blood sugar levels and fasting measurements. Then came the introduction of HbA1c. Now, we're embracing the concept of "time in range." Our focus has shifted towards leveraging technology and AI in our approach. As part of this endeavor, we've initiated the X Labs project, which centers on integrating AI and machine learning into our program. This enables us to harness the extensive data collected from countless patients over the years to create personalized solutions.
Remaining in step with the rapid pace of innovation is crucial. We view innovation as a distinct stream that runs alongside our ongoing processes. Staying informed and updated isn't the real challenge in today's landscape; rather, it's the effective implementation of these updates.
Numerous resources are at our disposal for staying current. Subscribing to newsletters tailored to our interests and search history, algorithms suggest related content. These digital platforms, accessible via our smartphones, offer a plethora of information for leisurely reading and learning.
Participating in events and conferences is also pivotal. In the medical realm, these gatherings serve as platforms to discuss the latest advancements. Notably, there's a significant digital focus in many national and international conferences nowadays. Digital health isn't just limited to a single lecture; entire symposia and dedicated sections are devoted to it. The networking aspect further enriches these experiences, allowing for peer-to-peer interactions. This encourages dialogue about various applications, research, and potential integrations into our systems.
Our commitment to staying updated goes hand in hand with assisting our members in understanding new and upcoming developments. Regularly updated blogs and content are delivered to them, ensuring they're informed about the latest information and advancements. This ongoing effort aims to provide the most up-to-date insights possible.
I continue to engage in teaching on weekends, which allows me to assist others in staying current. Additionally, I'm actively involved in a program facilitated by SRM University, which focuses on preparing MD students for the industry. This program covers essential aspects of pharmaceutical development along with soft skills and networking training. My affinity for students has always held a special place in my heart.
In cases where patients withhold their symptoms, how do you effectively manage and preserve the doctor-patient relationship to ensure open communication and accurate medical care?
Dr. Manthan Mehta: Obtaining information from individuals is not something that can be forced or extracted forcefully. We can't delve into someone's thoughts or emotions as if by sticking a finger in their mouth to reveal their innermost thoughts, as a saying in Gujarati humorously illustrates. People have their own ways of communicating or not communicating certain things, even though transparency with doctors is encouraged. The skill of gathering patient history is taught in medical schools from the second year of MBBS and remains a lifelong pursuit. It's an art that involves understanding how people share or withhold information.
Comfort is a pivotal factor here. Just as within a group of friends, there are individuals we feel more at ease sharing everything with, and others we might not. Establishing that sense of comfort is essential. However, this can be challenging in the context of busy outpatient settings where time constraints limit our ability to build rapport.
Juniors in the medical field play a crucial role in addressing this challenge. If they excel at the art of history taking, they can help collect crucial information that might otherwise be missed. It's important for experienced practitioners to oversee this process and identify points that need further exploration.
Artful communication is integral to this practice. Many medical conferences now dedicate lectures to the art of medical communication. Catching students early and nurturing their empathy and communication skills, as MedBound is doing, is commendable. Patients today are more informed and engaged, relying on sources like Google and even AI for medical information.
Rather than dismissing patients who consult other sources, we should engage with them constructively. Instead of saying, "Go to Google for answers," we can explain that while Google provides generalized information from vast datasets, we offer personalized insights based on their unique medical history. By emphasizing the value of their individual history, we foster a two-way dialogue, breaking down the pedestal of doctor-patient hierarchy. This approach builds trust and encourages patients to share their complete medical history, ultimately leading to better care.
How do you ensure the protection of patient data as a dedicated app and organization that collects data on a large scale, and how do you ensure compliance with regulations and standards? Also, as a comprehensive platform covering various aspects like nutrition and psychology, what are your insights on the current trending drug Ozempic and its relevance in the broader context of health and well-being?
Dr. Manthan Mehta: When it comes to data privacy and security, we adhere rigorously to ISO standards and government regulations concerning the storage of patient and healthcare data. Our approach includes stringent restrictions on data sharing, secure server and cloud storage, and proactive audits. Data safety is of paramount importance to us, backed by investments from reputable entities like Fireside and Amazon, which conduct thorough due diligence. Healthcare data is incredibly sensitive, and we are committed to preventing any misuse, as evidenced by our proactive efforts to maintain robust data privacy standards. We take data security seriously, even beyond the required norms.
Regarding newer medications such as semaglutide and other weight loss treatments, while we acknowledge their significance, our platform does not prescribe medications. We work collaboratively with physicians to provide them with comprehensive reports on how various health parameters are changing. Our reports cover nutrition, fitness, weight, waist and hip measurements, stress levels, and potential binge eating tendencies. If physicians seek recommendations, we offer guidance, but the decision to adjust dosages or discontinue medications rests entirely with the treating doctor. Our aim is not to supersede their judgment or intervene with prescriptions.
Our approach is rooted in supporting healthcare providers and their patients. We don't aim to replace doctors or their prescribed treatments. Instead, we offer a holistic solution, understanding that patients often find it challenging and costly to consult multiple professionals for different aspects of their health. We facilitate access to curated and expert content, aiding patients in achieving optimal outcomes. We emphasize that our intention is not to redirect patients from their doctors or to unilaterally alter medications. Any medication adjustments are made through consultation with the treating physicians, ensuring a collaborative and patient-centric approach.
What are your thoughts on the future of digital therapeutics?
Dr. Manthan Mehta: The future indeed holds immense promise for the healthcare industry, particularly considering the remarkable growth rates and trends that have emerged. With a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 30%, the sector has witnessed significant expansion in recent years. Numerous ventures are entering this space, targeting various therapy areas, especially chronic lifestyle disorders, which necessitate interventions for individuals to proactively manage their health.
Recent research studies underscore the urgency of these interventions. An ICMR study reported that over 100 million Indians are now diagnosed with diabetes, and an additional 136 million are pre-diabetic, reflecting a 44% increase in the past four years. Projections from The Lancet suggest that the number of people living with diabetes will double in the next 25 years. Similarly, cardiovascular diseases remain a global concern, with one in four deaths attributed to heart-related issues. Hypertension affects 36% of the population.
The rising prevalence of these conditions, particularly among younger demographics, underscores the pivotal role that digital therapy can play. This approach is becoming increasingly important as sedentary lifestyles and environmental factors contribute to the emergence of these disorders, even in people as young as their 30s. Digital therapies are poised to address these challenges effectively.
Ventures are exploring various domains within digital therapy. Femtech is making strides in addressing disorders like PCOS, infertility, and more. In the gastrointestinal space, digital therapies are being developed. The rise in pollution-related allergies and respiratory disorders has led to the emergence of digital therapies in those areas as well. Additionally, digital solutions are being tailored for rehabilitation, such as cardiac rehab, and are being extended to palliative care for cancer patients who may not be mobile and require remote support.
