Opinion
Video
Talking to Patients about Prescription Digital Therapeutics
Panelists discuss patient hesitations toward prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) for schizophrenia. They highlight concerns about repetitive content and technology mistrust due to symptoms such as paranoia, the significant access barriers related to insurance coverage especially for vulnerable populations, and the critical need for improved clinician education to increase awareness and integration of PDTs into treatment plans.
When clinicians are considering the adoption PDTs for schizophrenia, several factors might cause hesitation or resistance among patients. One common concern is the perceived redundancy in long-term use, as patients might feel they are repeating the same lessons or activities over time. However, this can be compared to physical exercise, where repetition is necessary to strengthen muscles and maintain progress. Another important factor is the patient’s comfort with technology, especially given that paranoid delusions and mistrust of technology are common in schizophrenia. Having honest and open conversations about their comfort and concerns is essential, as not every patient may be ready or willing to engage with digital tools.
Access also poses a significant barrier. Because PDTs are prescription based, they rely heavily on insurance coverage; this can be inconsistent, especially among vulnerable populations who often depend on Medicaid or Medicare. These groups might have limited access to psychotherapy and may benefit greatly from PDTs, yet financial and systemic obstacles prevent widespread availability. Advocacy and policy changes will be crucial to bridge this gap, ensuring equitable access to these innovative treatments for all patients who need them.
Clinician education represents another major challenge in the adoption of PDTs. Because patients cannot prescribe these therapies themselves, health care providers serve as gatekeepers. Many clinicians remain unaware of how PDTs function, their benefits, or how to integrate them into treatment plans. Increasing awareness and training for clinicians is necessary to facilitate broader acceptance and use. As this technology evolves, ongoing education will help health care professionals better support patients and optimize the use of PDTs in comprehensive schizophrenia care.
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