STAT August 3, 2021
When people seek health information, they expect what they get to be reliable and accurate. But these expectations can be dashed, especially by digital health devices, many of which are not reviewed the Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory body.
Here are a few examples drawn from the medical literature and the news:
John has bipolar disorder. He downloads a few apps to help him manage and track his symptoms. During a manic phase, John has trouble sleeping, so he turns to the apps for advice. One tells him to “take a shot of liquor” an hour before bed. The other advises him that his bipolar disorder is contagious and can be caught by people spending too much time...