Digital Health 2023: How Disruptive Technologies Are Redefining Otolaryngology Practice

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Digital Health - in its many forms - is expanding and transforming otolaryngology care. As tools for digital health evolve and achieve greater penetration, clinicians and patients are poised to embrace these technological advances. As digital innovation accelerates within and adjacent to health care, questions have arisen about what evidence supports these tools, what their appropriate role is in patient care, and how best to integrate them into otolaryngology practice. Speakers will discuss emerging technologies in digital health and curate the evidence (or lack thereof) to support their use. Topics will include artificial intelligence/ machine learning, smartphone-based technology, wearables, telehealth/remote health technology, Internet of Things (IoT), digital biomarkers, and virtual reality/augmented reality. Integrated into this interactive discussion are considerations for health equity and social determinants of health, the bi-directional impact of COVID-19, the digital divide, and machine bias. The panel will also explore how immersive technology can accelerate skill acquisition for surgeons, advanced practice providers, and other team members. The panelists are experts who work at the intersections of digital health, evidence-based medicine, medical innovation, and healthcare entrepreneurship. Regardless of whether you are steeped in digital health technologies or just getting started, this panel will entertain, engage, and inspire.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Discuss emerging digital health technologies that are shaping otolaryngology practice, considering implications for clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Curate the evidence on digital health technologies, applying a health equity lens that considers implications for social determinants of health, access to care, and bias

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Identify emerging applications of digital health technologies and how they will shape the future of otolaryngology, including innovations affecting training, practice, and lifelong learning.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Understanding and embracing digital innovation is needed to keep pace with change in healthcare. The presenters bring expertise across the expanse of the digital health ecosystem through their clinic work, academic endeavors, medical innovations, and entrepreneurship within this space.