Founder of emocha Robert C. Bollinger, MD, MPH, a Professor of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, outlines various ways that time can be saved to better address both known and unknown infectious diseases. In addition to rapid recognition of the disease and the implementation of preventive and treatment strategies, specific technologies can link patients to care. Perhaps most importantly, however, Dr. Bollinger reinforces the need for access to necessary public health intervations in order to prevent further spread of disease, and “securing adherence to life-saving medication regimens.” In referencing the practice of Directly Observed Therapy and the specific role of video technology in making the practice scalable, Dr. Bollinger highlights the capability of digital health to help lower the “cost and human impact” of any epidemic.
