Defining digital public health and the role of digitization, digitalization and digital transformation: A scoping review (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ihoghosa Iyamu ◽  
Alice X.T. Xu ◽  
Oralia Gómez-Ramírez ◽  
Aidan Ablona ◽  
Hsiu-Ju Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Health Goals ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Definition Of

BACKGROUND Despite increasing interest in digital public health, there appears to be a lack of clarity and consensus on its definition. OBJECTIVE In this scoping review, we assessed formal and informal definitions of digital public health in the literature. METHODS We conducted a scoping literature search in OVID Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and on 14 government and intergovernmental agency websites encompassing six geographical regions. Among a total of 409 full articles identified, we reviewed 12 publications that formally defined digital public health and/or informally described the integration of digital technologies in public health in relation to digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, and conducted a thematic analysis of the identified definitions. RESULTS We identified two explicit definitions of digital public health with divergent meanings. While one definition is predicated on digitalization, and involves the integration of digital technologies to achieve existing public health goals, the other implies transformation of public health services and goals, leveraging digital technology to improve health outcomes. Further, we found that when described in relation to public health, digitization refers to the conversion of analog records to digital information, digitalization involves the integration of digital technologies into public health operations, and digital transformation involves a cultural shift that pervasively integrates digital technologies and reorganizes service based on the health needs of the public. CONCLUSIONS The definition of digital public health remains contested in the literature. Public health researchers and practitioners need to clarify these conceptual definitions to harness opportunities to integrate digital technologies in public health in a way that maximizes their potential to improve public health outcomes. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/preprints.27686

scholarly journals User involvement in developing community-based public health services: a scoping review of methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
K S Petersen ◽  
J F Pedersen ◽  
B Egilstroed ◽  
C Overgaard
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background User involvement in developing community-based public health services has been on the agenda for decades. User involvement refers to the variety of ways in which service users or public citizens participate in the development of health services: from proving information on their needs to actively being involved in decisions about future services. Former studies found that user involvement is meaningful to the people involved and could have a favorable impact on the quality of services. Thus, it is timely to systematically identify and provide a comprehensive overview of user involvement methods used in public health studies. The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of the current body of empirical research where user involvement methods have been used to develop community public health services and identify its possible impact on the individual as well as services. Methods A systematic scoping review of user involvement methods aiming to develop public health services followed Arksey and O'Malley, 2005 framework. Six databases: CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO. PubMed, Scopus and ProQuest, were searched from October till November, 2019. Search terms were: user involvement, methods and health care with corresponding synonym. All hits were double screened. Results 6.044 studies were identified of which 38 studies lived up to the criteria. Preliminary findings from coding and synthesizing studies have identified a variety of user involvement Methods 19 of the studies used complex, multi-facetted packages of methods aiming to identify needs, prioritize and formulate recommendations for future services. 19 studies used different kinds of group meetings and some used certain techniques to facilitate the process. Many reported the impact, and 13 evaluated the methods. The impact of using the methods varied from impact on individual, group, or service/political level. Final results will be presented at the conference. Key messages Studies on user involvement methods in developing community public health services and its impact are sparse. User involvement is privotal in developing sustainable public health community services.

Fostering digital transformation of SMEs: a four levels approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (8) ◽  
pp. 1543-1562 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonello Garzoni ◽  
Ivano De Turi ◽  
Giustina Secundo ◽  
Pasquale Del Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Temporal Dimension ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Italy ◽  
Apulia Region ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse how digital technologies trigger changes in the business process of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Apulia Region (South Italy). As SMEs play an essential role in the process value creation of industries and countries, the article examines the enablers of Industry 4.0 in a regional contexts characterized by delay in research and development and innovation performances where the companies' competitiveness is based on limited knowledge and technological assets.Design/methodology/approachThe case study of Smart District 4.0, an ongoing project aimed to promote the digitalization of SMEs operating in the Agri–Food, Clothing–Footwear and Mechanics–Mechatronics in the Apulia Region (South Italy) is analysed. The project has been financed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development with the final aim to sustain the digital transformation of SMEs in South Italy.FindingsThe results introduce a four levels approach of engagement of SMEs in the adoption of digital technologies, namely, digital awareness, digital enquirement, digital collaboration and digital transformation. Furthermore, for each level of engagement the study describes and discusses some relevant variables that could be used by managers and entrepreneurs to assess the level of readiness for utilization of digital technologies and how to digitalize some processes.Practical implicationsPractical implications regard the definition of a roadmap useful to assess and manage the level of digital transformation of SMEs. Limitations of the study regarding the temporal dimension of the evidences associated to the Smart District 4.0 as well as to the regional context was analysed.Originality/valueOriginality resides in the definition of a roadmap for the digital transformation of SMEs in a region where the profile of companies' digital maturity is still low.

scholarly journals Workshop: EUPHA and Europe-wide action on digital public health

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
World Health ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
European Public ◽  
The World

Abstract The World Health Assembly Resolution on Digital Health unanimously approved by WHO Member States in May 2018 demonstrated a collective recognition of the value of digital technologies to contribute to advancing universal health coverage (UHC) and other health aims of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The World Health Organization has just released first ever guideline on digital interventions for health system strengthening. Et the European level, in June 2018 the WHO Regional Office for Europe launched the WHO/Europe initiative for Digitalization of Health Systems and in February 2019 organized the first Symposium on the Future of Digital Health Systems in the European Region. The European Commission in April 2018 published a Communication on Digital transformation of health and care in the digital single market and requested the Expert Panel on effective ways of investing in health (EXPH) to release an evidence-based opinion on how to assess the impact of digital transformation of health services. In such context, the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) has at an early stage acknowledged and understood the crucial importance of applying the potential offered by digitalization to public health. Not only its most prominent members work and research as WHO and EC experts on how to plan, implement and evaluate effective digital public health interventions, but EUPHA itself - as umbrella organization representing public health associations and institutes across Europe had: i) actively participated to the WHO Euro Symposium successfully co-organizing a session on the ‘beautiful marriage’ between digitalization and public health, ii) supported the publication of a EJPH supplement on digital health and iii) has planned to create a EUPHA Section on Digital Health. With the overall goal of positioning the proposed EUPHA Section on Digital Health in the enriching and constructive context of the European Public Health Conference the workshop specifically aims to: present a comprehensive conceptual framework for the application of digital technologies to public health in Europe;present and report on EUPHA collaborative action on digital health, aligned with European institutions;present the structure and content of the EJPH supplement on digital health;present the general aim, specific objectives, scope, mission and preliminary outputs of the proposed EUPHA Section on Digital Health, as well as its synergy with other EUPHA’s Section workPresent the results of two/three specific projects on digital public health to serve as concrete examples of the application of digital solutions to public healthEngage with the audience to promote the active participation of the broader EUPHA community to the activities of the Section, collect interests and best practices, and share ideas and projects worth scaling up at the Section-level. Key messages The ‘beautiful marriage’ between digitalization and public health has to be concretely planned, implemented and evaluated. EUPHA action on digital public health can be further strengthened through the collaborative action and work of its dedicated Section.

scholarly journals Integrated assessment of environment and health: America's children and the environment

2006 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 439-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy D. Kyle ◽  
Tracey J. Woodruff ◽  
Daniel A. Axelrad
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Integrated Assessment ◽  
Surrogate Data ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Environment And Health ◽  
Data Gaps ◽  
Children’S Environmental Health ◽  
Definition Of

There is a need for systematic approaches to assessment of environmental factors most relevant to health, health outcomes most influenced by the environment, and relationships between them, as well as for approaches to representing results of such assessments in policy deliberations. As a step in the development of such methods, we used findings and data from environmental protection and public health sectors to develop a set of measures representing topics relevant to children's environmental health. We used a definition of the environment that emphasized contaminants and a process that involved both analytic and deliberative elements. The steps in this process were to: a) develop a conceptual framework to depict relationships between environment and health with relevant types of data and information, b) select topic areas of significance for children, c) identify best available data sources and devise measures, d) assess possible surrogate data sources and measures when needed, e) design and implement metrics for computation of measures; f) select graphical representations of measures, g) identify related measures, and h) identify data gaps. Representatives of policy and stakeholder audiences participated in this process.

scholarly journals Digital transformation of interaction between government and business: result orientation

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1 SI) ◽  
pp. 10-11
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Bardakh
Keyword(s):  
Public Administration ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
The World ◽  
Digital Development ◽  
Definition Of

The purpose of the report is to draw attention to the possibility and necessity of using digital technologies to ensure the orientation of public administration on the result of interaction with business. The definition of digital transformation is given. The connection between digital transformation and quality parameters of public administration is considered. The experience of digitalization in the advanced countries of the world is analyzed. proposals for the formation of a new strategic document on digital development of Ukraine.

scholarly journals Public health digitalization in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 28-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Odone ◽  
Stefan Buttigieg ◽  
Walter Ricciardi ◽  
Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat ◽  
Anthony Staines
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Patient Empowerment ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Political Commitment ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Health Goals

Abstract Background As digitalization is progressively permeating all aspects of society, how can be it fruitfully employed to sustain the public health goals of quality, accessibility, efficiency and equity in health care and prevention? In this paper, we reflect on the potential of applying digital tools to public health and discuss some key challenges. Methods We first define ‘digitalization’ in its broader sense, as well as applied to public health. We then build a conceptual framework where key public health domains are associated to available digital technologies in a matrix that help to identify digital features that bolster public health action. We also provide illustrative data and evidence on the application of digital solutions on selected public health areas. In the second part, we identify the strategic pillars for a successful European strategy for public health digitalization and we outline how the approach being pursued by the European Public Health Association (EUPHA) applies to digital health. Results From a public health perspective, digitalization is being touted as providing several potential benefits and advantages, including support for the transition from cure to prevention, helping to put people and patients at the center of care delivery, supporting patient empowerment and making healthcare system more efficient, safer and cheaper. These benefits are enabled through the following features of digital technologies: (i) Personalization and precision; (ii) Automation; (iii) Prediction; (iv) Data analytics and (v) Interaction. Conclusion A successful European strategy for public health digitalization should integrate the following pillars: political commitment, normative frameworks, technical infrastructure, targeted economic investments, education, research, monitoring and evaluation. EUPHA acknowledges digitalization is an asset for public health and is working both to promote the culture of “public health digitalization”, as well as to enable its planning, implementation and evaluation at the research, practice and policy level.

scholarly journals Scrutinising COVIDSafe: Frameworks for evaluating digital contact tracing technologies

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-161
Author(s):  
Adam Lodders ◽  
Jeannie Marie Paterson
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Contact Tracing

Digital technologies are being used to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic through a variety of methods, including monitoring compliance with quarantine and contact tracing. These uses of technology are said to promote public health outcomes but risk undermining rights to privacy. In this article we focus on the use of digital technologies for contact tracing, such as the COVIDSafe app used in Australia. We explore the kind of framework that might be used for evaluating the design, deployment and governance of such technologies to ensure they operate in a manner that is proportionate to the ends to be achieved. We conclude that, in addition to issues of privacy, any use of contact tracing technology should address important considerations of efficacy, equity and accountability.

scholarly journals Building a Model for Financial Management of Digital Technologies in the Areas of Combinatorial Effects

Economies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Andrey A. Zaytsev ◽  
Roman S. Blizkyi ◽  
Irina I. Rakhmeeva ◽  
Nikolay D. Dmitriev
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Digital Space ◽  
Technological Adaptation ◽  
Russian Scientific ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Heads Of Government

The race of states for digital leadership faces the challenges of digital transformation foresight, providing combinatorial effects and acceleration of digitalization processes, contributing to a more efficient allocation of limited financial resources. This situation determines the relevance of the authors’ study, which aims to develop an appropriate model for the allocation of funds for digital technologies. The methodology of the study is based on the concepts of technological modes and cyclical development of the economy. The paper presents the authors’ definition of the concept “digital space,” which is new to Russian scientific literature. The key research method is mathematical modeling. The scientific novelty of the paper is chronological architectonics of digital transformations, built by the authors, and the model of distribution of financing under the investment constraints due to the trust limit of the society institutions, the time of fluctuations of the system of technological adaptation, and the response of the institutional environment to the digital limits of the transformations. The practical significance of the proposed models is the identified tandem interconnected digital technologies of the areas of combinatorial effects that accelerate the dynamics of Industry 4.0, as well as the resulting tools for the effective management of digital technology financing. The obtained theoretical and empirical results are desirable for the heads of government agencies, foundations, corporations, and development agencies, as well as enterprises interested in accelerating digital transformation and increasing strategic competitiveness in the digital space.

scholarly journals Digital Transformation of Market Institutions

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Farkhod Ozodovich Abdullaev ◽  
Kuvvat Iskandarovich Khamraev ◽  
Shargul Ansatbayevna Arzuova ◽  
Abdumalik Nizomjonovich Abdukayumov
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technology ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Gross National Product ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Economy ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Definition Of

This article shows how the increasing prevalence of digital technologies into various spheres of human life has necessitated change in a number of institutions. First, it grapples with economic institutions that ensure the functioning of a market economy. In addition, the definition of digital economy, the concept of digital economy, the technological developments specific to digital economy, the share of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the gross national product of a country, and the analysis of certain indicators of communication and information are also covered in the article.

scholarly journals Strategic Directions of Development of Informatization of Domestic Education of Digital Information Technologies Period

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 145-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irena V. Robert
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Systematic Application ◽  
Digital Information Technology ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
High Level ◽  
Pedagogical Science

The article presents significant changes in the field of education, taking place in connection with the active and systematic application of digital information technologies. The main directions of development of informatization of domestic education in conditions of realization of opportunities of digital information technologies are justified and described. The high-level characteristics of the main components of traditional pedagogical science (including didactics) and pedagogical science in conditions of informatization of education of the period of digital technologies have been revealed. The definition of didactics of digital information technology period is presented.

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