Combating the Opioid Crisis through Digital Health Innovation

Last week, our Founder & CEO, Dr. Shai Gozani had the opportunity to speak on a panel at the 2017 Digital Health Summer Summit in San Francisco. Joined by Beth Rogozinski of Pear Therapeutics and Howard Rose of Firsthand Technology, and moderated by Dr. Aenor Sayer of University of California, San Francisco, panel participants discussed how digital health innovations are confronting the opioid crisis head-on. From cutting-edge virtual reality, to innovative wearables and the latest in digital therapeutics, panelists had the chance to exchange ideas on the very important role technology plays in one of today’s biggest national healthcare challenges.

Those living with pain already know that treatment options haven’t changed much over the decades, and opioids or prescription medication are often the go-to approach to find relief. Because of this, there is a huge opportunity to bring real change to the market. That’s exactly what we are aiming to do here at NeuroMetrix, and it’s inspiring to hear from others who share a similar mission.

With digital technologies, we can enable those with chronic pain to have access to safer, non-pharmacological options for relief with minimal to no side effects. Rather than having to rely on just medication, digital innovations are enabling the millions of Americans living with chronic pain to have more options in how they want to manage their conditions. These technologies can also help reduce reliance on prescription medications, which is key in helping to reduce the need for opioids in the first place.

While it is not to say that prescription medication doesn’t play an important role in the treatment for chronic pain, these digital innovations are challenging old school thinking of “take two pills and call me in the morning”.

Thanks to the Digital Health Summit organizers for including us and for continuing to bring together the thought leaders who are shaping the future of connected health.

“Designed for chronic pain, @Quellrelief converges neurostimulation devices with #digitalhealth technology” –@gozani #DHSS17 pic.twitter.com/bQ2bjraulo

— William Van Noll (@WilliamVanNoll) June 19, 2017

“Retailers are showing interest in #digitalhealth. In fact, one of our best channels for our medical devices is @BestBuy” –@gozani #DHSS17 pic.twitter.com/WGxQQRfd8V

— William Van Noll (@WilliamVanNoll) June 19, 2017

On measuring effectiveness: “We do full research studies. Also “n=1″ studies where consumers can get refunds at 60 days” –@gozani #DHSS17

— William Van Noll (@WilliamVanNoll) June 19, 2017

“Our goal=turn health consumers to health producers. Shift from consumption to untapped capacity to be healthier on our own”-@hr4vr #DHSS17

— William Van Noll (@WilliamVanNoll) June 19, 2017

New digital health tool for chronic pain: neurostimulator that works through the opioid pathway #quell #DHSS17 #BIO2017

— Michelle S. Keller (@michelleskeller) June 19, 2017

How virtual reality changes pain in the brain. “#VR is more fun then drugs.” #DHSS17 panel on how #digitalhealth can decrease opioid abuse pic.twitter.com/6ZEh0iT7JV

— Sylvia Norman, PhD (@SylviaNorman11) June 19, 2017