*6.1.6 Patient engagement*

Improving patient engagement and self-management through immersive technology, virtual coaching, and educational programs can shift disease courses to better outcomes. Face-to-face educational programs are followed in less than 10% of newly diagnosed people, but the emergence of digital health has given them the opportunity to overcome the challenges of lower engagement and participation from patients [63]. A statewide survey study in Indianapolis found that about 50% of people use technology to communicate with providers [63]. Telemedicine, *via* various telehealth portals, is now accepted as the necessary new normal and is expected to grow by 33% from 2019 to 2026 thus reaching \$ 185.6 billion by 2026 [64]. Patients involved in their healthcare will experience better long-term health outcomes and incur lower costs, so there is a push toward promoting greater patient engagement.
