The status quo and future prospects of digital twins for healthcare
Teng Li,
Yi Shen,
Yuxiang Li,
Yongbo Zhang,
Song Wu
Affiliations
Teng Li
South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China
Yi Shen
Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China
Yuxiang Li
South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China
Yongbo Zhang
South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen 518060, China; Corresponding author. South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China.
Song Wu
South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China; Hospital Management Institute of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China; Corresponding author. South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518111, China.
Digital twin technology plays a pivotal role in driving the digital transformation of healthcare services. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of digital twins in the healthcare sector. We elucidate the concept and classification of digital twins for healthcare and provide a detailed account of their current applications in clinical diagnosis, treatment, and hospital operational management. Taking the cardiac digital twin as an example, this review showcases the typical use of digital twins in clinical practice and scientific research. Additionally, the challenges faced by digital twin technology in data collection, model construction, ethics, and regulations were analyzed. Finally, the broad prospects of digital twins in promoting precision and personalization in healthcare are envisioned.
