What Is Really Real? A Commentary on Digital Patient and Digital Twin Technologies
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Digital patient technologies promise personalized healthcare but remain limited by inconsistent terminology and uncertain clinical readiness. Drawing on three companion preprints using the same 61-review evidence map, we argue that operational characteristics determine the computational evidence and clinical accountability required for a stated use. Patient specificity appeared in 55/61 reviews, bidirectionality in 26/61 and patient specificity, dynamic orientation and bidirectionality together in 25/61. These are review-level reporting patterns, not verified capabilities or patient benefit. Clear capabilities, system-level validation, semantic interoperability, governance and prospective clinical evidence remain priorities.
Source: Digital Health and Innovation
DOI: 10.3390/dhi1020009
Institution: Old Dominion University
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225797412