The World Health Organization (WHO) presented the draft Regional Digital Health Action Plan for the European Region 2023-2030.
The action plan presented by the WHO aims to support the countries of the region to scale and promote the digital transformation in health, through investment in digital technology in the health system. Likewise, this plan responds to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The Digital Health Action Plan identifies four strategic priorities to drive digital transformation:
- Establish standards and develop technical guidelines;
- enhance the capacities of countries to better govern the digital transformation in the health sector and advance digital health literacy;
- create networks and promote dialogue and knowledge sharing; Y
- conducting a horizon scan and landscape analysis of patient-centric solutions that can be scaled up.
Strategic priority 1 focuses on promoting commitment and awareness of Digital Health through evidence and good practices. As well as direct and collect evidence on good practices in the use of digital solutions in health. In this way they will be able to guide the development and adoption of new technologies that facilitate the various applications of Digital Health in the European Region.
The second priority seeks in general terms to increase Digital Health capabilities in European countries and promote the development of national strategies, governance frameworks, among other public health objectives in each country.
Likewise, the third strategic priority seeks to facilitate and promote interregional, international and multisectoral collaboration, for example, by establishing a Digital Health alliance or council, or a Regional Digital Health Network.
Finally, the fourth strategy will seek to monitor emerging developments and trends in Digital Health, especially those that have the potential to improve health systems or the health of the population.
In addition to the strategic priorities, the document presented by the WHO lists the five guiding principles to guide regional action efforts in Digital Health:
- Putting people at the center of trustworthy care delivered digitally
- Understand the challenges of the health system, including health needs and trends, and recognize the needs and expectations of citizens and health workers
- Recognize the need for policy decision-making based on data, evidence and lessons learned, while allowing for continuous learning, adaptation and innovation
- Harnessing digital transformation to reimagine the future of health systems
- Recognize that the institutionalization of digital health requires a long-term commitment and an integrated care approach
Access to the full document through the following link:
