2025 MSK and MSD Trends 5: Integration of Digital Health Platforms 

Elizabeth recently gave birth in a hospital. While she was there, the nurses asked the normal questions: What medications or supplements are you taking? What’s your blood type? Height? Weight? With every answer, her chart was filled, and she honestly did not give a second thought to it. The doctors and nurses need that information- and they did! A few months later, Elizabeth went to a new dentist. As she sat down in the chair, they started to ask her if she was still taking a certain supplement or if she still lived at her address. She was startled. How did they get all of that information? She happened to see her chart pulled up, and it was the same platform as the one in the hospital.  

Integrated digital platforms are slowly but surely taking over today’s healthcare space. These platforms unify various healthcare services, tools, and data streams into a single ecosystem, enabling seamless interaction between patients, providers, payers, and other stakeholders. This singular ecosystem can bring together a great deal of data from:  

  • Health records,  
  • Wearable technology, and 
  • Patient engagement tools. 

Theoretically, integrated digital health platforms will allow for seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers. Like Elizabeth experienced, both her doctors in the hospital and her dentist had access to the same information.  

This trend is being driven by needs for efficiency, technological advancements, and a growing demand for convenient and personalized care. Seamless communication between multiple providers does enhance patient care- there is no doubt about that. But there are some drawbacks to this growing trend- especially in the musculoskeletal (MSK) space.  

The use of digital health platforms in the MSK space usually focuses on wearable technology and remote care.  

 

Wearable Technology 

Apple Watches, Oura Rings, and Whoop bands are all the rage in the health and wellness space. In their own way, they provide feedback on anything from activity levels to sleep patterns. The concept of integrating technologies like these into MSK treatment makes sense.   

Wearable technology can automatically upload data into an integrated health platform where therapists can monitor progress and communicate with patients. It also can alert clinicians if a patient is not adhering to their program and/or showing signs of regressions.  

 

Remote Care 

 Coupled with wearable technology, remote care provides flexibility for patients and practitioners. Instead of having the standard in-person, 1-hour long appointment, patients can receive care via an app and/or a video chat. Patients can stay engaged with progress badges in an app, and practitioners can utilize chats or data from a wearable device to check in continually.  

While wearable technology and remote care seem like giant breakthroughs in the MSK space, neither of these are 100% helpful or cost effective. Wearable technology can gather data, but it rarely can tell you what to do with the data- even when an MSK expert is reading it. This can lead to treating the symptoms of a patient rather than fixing the root cause.  

A lack of hands-on care that can emerge from these trends runs the risk of acute MSDs developing into chronic conditions.  

 

Care That Surpasses Trends 

Wearable technology and remote care can only give a partial picture of a patient. While new and exciting, your employees deserve more.  

Solveglobal provides comprehensive care to your employees- combining hands on care with integrations with technology. Our team uses proprietary AI technology to assess the MSK risk in your employee population while also offering on-site, near-site, and virtual treatment options so your employees can move and feel their best at home, at work, and while doing the things they love.  

This isn’t just about solving MSDs. It’s about being the kind of leader who acts before the damage is done. Head to solveglobal.com to see the Solution for yourself.