Seoul, South Korea – Yonsei University Health System has initiated a government-funded project aimed at seamlessly connecting hospitals, government agencies, insurers, and medical device manufacturers in a comprehensive care process centered around digital therapeutics (DTx) and big data. The groundbreaking initiative, taking place at Yonsei’s Severance Hospital, involves the prescription of the insomnia DTx Somzz through the integrated platform known as Connect-DTx.
Functionality of Connect-DTx
Connect-DTx operates by collecting health data from patients in near real-time once they are prescribed DTx. This data allows doctors to personalize and adjust treatments for their patients. For admitted patients, the platform integrates with the hospital’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, facilitating the collection of relevant data.
In addition to the care team, Connect-DTx establishes connections with government regulators and insurers. This allows entities such as the National Health Insurance Corporation and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to monitor the progress of DTx-based treatments and streamline insurance claims and reviews through the platform.
Moreover, Connect-DTx provides DTx manufacturers with the ability to track the usage of their products across various health institutions without the need for individual confirmations.
Hospital Onboarding and Expansion
Several prominent hospitals, including Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, Boramae Hospital, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Korea University Anam Hospital, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, are in the process of onboarding and implementing Connect-DTx. The platform is expected to expand to incorporate additional DTx devices addressing conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and smoking cessation.
Significance and Funding
In 2022, Yonsei University Health System received 7.8 billion won ($5.8 million) from the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy to develop Connect-DTx. The primary objective is to offer convenient and secure access to patient health information in near real-time, gathered from DTx devices and hospital EMRs. This innovative approach allows doctors to make informed, personalized treatment decisions, while government bodies and insurers can efficiently review and process insurance claims.
Broader Industry Trends
Somzz, an insomnia DTx developed by Aimmed, marks a significant achievement as the first of its kind to receive approval in South Korea. Employing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Somzz aids in improving sleep for patients. This milestone follows Welt’s clearance for its insomnia DTx, WELT-I, just four months after Aimmed’s approval in January 2023. These developments come amid a notable increase in the number of South Koreans grappling with insomnia, with at least 15% of the population now facing chronic sleep issues. The incorporation of CBT in mobile applications is emerging as a preferred treatment method, offering a more effective alternative to traditional sleeping pills.
