The Journal of mHealth Vol 3 Issue 2 (Apr/May 2016) | Page 2

Cybersecurity in Healthcare Briefing Editor's Comments Welcome As mobile and digital health solutions become more widespread across the whole healthcare ecosystem many of these technologies, and projects, still face challenges when it comes to proving their effectiveness and demonstrating the returns on investment that they can provide. The quality of the current evidence base supporting digital health interventions remains extremely varied. Whilst it can sometimes be difficult, or inappropriate, to use conventional health assessment techniques to assess digital health interventions, digital technologies present new opportunities for the collection and analysis of new types of data, and by combining these different methodologies, we, as an industry, have the opportunity to clearly demonstrate the compound value of digital solutions in healthcare delivery and management. Despite the difficulties, the fact remains that it is necessary for all stakeholders, of digital health products, from clinical commissioners to patients, to have access to a suitable body of supporting evidence, upon which they can make educated decisions about the use of a particular solution or product. It is the responsibility of all parties involved in digital, mobile and connected health activities to work collectively to ensure that measures of digital effectiveness, outcomes and returns on investment are all suitably documented, and supported by a library of evidence. In this issue we compile a collection of articles that discuss the challenges surrounding the development of this digital health evidence base and consider the best ways forward to ensure that this sector, like any within healthcare, is supported by the necessary research and validation to ensure that users are guaranteed the benefits that they expect from the use of digital solutions. A new publication from The Journal of mHealth The essential resource for anyone developing or deploying digital health solutions. Comprising expert advice, knowledge leadership and insight from leading cybersecurity and healthcare data security providers To subscribe to all 3 issues per year of the Cybersecurity in Healthcare Briefing, please visit www.thejournalofmhealth.com Also available for individual purchase. We also take a look at some of the technologies that are likely to have a significant impact on the healthcare market in the not so distant future. If you have heard of Facebook’s messenger bots, then you are probably aware that it will, likely, not be long before we begin to see the use of AIdriven conversation bots, powering dynamic interfaces in healthcare. In an insightful article Thomas Sutton, Executive Creative Director of Frog Design, asks whether AI will become our ‘healthcare companion’. Akil Benjamin discusses the ‘Post Google Era for Search’ and the impact that the growing use of Natural Language data processing techniques are having on healthcare, and Tim Davis, CEO and founder of Exco InTouch considers ‘The Value of Multi-Program Digital Health Platforms’. Also inside, we analyse the question of how to deliver a digital or mobile health solution on a global scale. We talk to Peter Ohnemus, CEO of solution provider dacadoo to try and understand what it takes to build a successful global digital health company. Published by Simedics Limited www.simedics.org Editor: Matthew Driver Design: Jennifer Edwards For editorial, research and paper submissions, and advertising opportunities please contact: Matthew Driver [email protected] [phone] Subscribe at www.thejournalofmhealth.com The editor welcomes contributions for The Journal of mHealth. Submissions can be sent to the editor by email, images and graphics should be submitted in high resolution format. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily shared by the editors nor publishers. Although the highest level of care has been taken to ensure accuracy the publishers do not accept any liability for omissions or errors or claims made by contributors or advertisers, neither do we accept liability for damage or loss of unsolicited contributions. The publishers exercise the right to alter and edit any material supplied. This publication is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in part or in full without specific written permission of the publishers. ISSN 2055-270X © 2016 Simedics Limited Matthew Driver Editor The Journal of mHealth 1