Telemedicine in Stress Management : An Analysis of Current Trends and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Approximately a decade has elapsed since the introduction of telemedicine in Japan, with its adoption experiencing a marked surge, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This expansion of telemedicine has enabled patients facing diverse barriers in regard to accessing in-person care to receive medical services with diminished physical and psychological burdens. It also facilitates stress management in patients who are predisposed to psychological distress. Beyond telemedicine, the utilization of digital tools in healthcare is undergoing significant acceleration. Notably, there is a growing trend in the development of digital therapeutics across a broad spectrum of disease areas, encompassing psychosomatic disorders. In international contexts, the exploration of integrated delivery models that amalgamate digital therapeutics with telemedicine is being actively pursued, raising the prospect of delivering healthcare that further mitigates patient burden.