scholarly journals Commentary on the Action Plan to Modernize Gender, Sex and Sexual Orientation Information Practices in Canadian Digital Health Systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis Lau
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Orientation Information

scholarly journals Modernizing Gender, Sex and Sexual Orientation Information Practices for Culturally Competent Care: A Rapid Review (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Davison ◽  
Roz Queen ◽  
Francis Lau ◽  
Marcy Antonio
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Health Equity ◽  
Research Team ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Health Inequities ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Orientation Information ◽  
And Gender

BACKGROUND Outdated gender, sex, and sexual orientation information practices in healthcare contribute to health inequities for sexual and gender minorities (SGM). Some governments, statistics organizations and healthcare services have developed and implemented modernized practices that support health equity for SGM. Extending the work of our research team, we conducted a rapid review of grey literature to explore information practices that support quality healthcare for SGM. OBJECTIVE To elucidate modern gender, sex and sexual orientation information practices from leading agencies for adaptation, adoption and application by healthcare providers and organizations seeking to redress outdate information practices that contribute to health inequities for SGM. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and Google from 2015 to 2020 with terms related to gender, sex, sexual orientation, and electronic health/medical records for English-language grey literature resources including government and non-governmental organization publications, whitepapers, data standards, toolkits, healthcare organization and health quality practice and policy guides, conference proceedings, unpublished academic work and statistical papers. Peer-reviewed journal articles were excluded, as were resources irrelevant to information practices. In addition to reviewed search results, we screened references sections of included articles for additional resources, and canvassed an working group of international topic experts for resources. Duplicates were eliminated. ATLAS.tiTM was used to support analysis. Themes and codes were developed through an iterative process of writing and discussion with the research team. RESULTS Twenty-six grey literature resources met the inclusion criteria. The overarching theme that emerged from the literature are the congruent behaviours, attitudes and policies that constitute SGM cultural competence: shared language with unambiguous definitions of GSSO concepts; welcoming and inclusive care environments and affirming practices to reduce barriers to access; healthcare policy that supports competent healthcare; and adoption of modernized GSSO information practices and EHR design requirements that address invisibility in health data. CONCLUSIONS Health equity for sex and gender minoritized people requires a holistic approach to systemic change that equips the agencies and agents in healthcare with the tools they need to cultivate modern attitudes, policies and practices with respect to sex and gender diversity that enable health equity. Adopting small but important changes to the language and terminology used to interact with SGM and their care records is a core requirement for institutionalizing SGM-competence in human and technical systems. Modern GSSO information practices both depend on and reinforce SGM-competency in healthcare.

An Action Plan to Modernize Gender, Sex, and Sexual Orientation Information Practices in Canadian Electronic Health Record Systems

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Francis Lau
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Electronic Health Record ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Health Record ◽  
Sex And Gender ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
Electronic Health ◽  
And Gender ◽  
High Level

This brief report contains a summary version of the proposed action plan to modernize gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) information practices in Canadian electronic health record (EHR) systems. The plan was co-created by a research team with guidance from the Infoway Sex and Gender Working Group, organizations and communities involved with sexual and gender minorities (SGM), and those with lived and living experiences as SGM. The plan describes seven high level actions needed to improve the principles, approaches, policies, and processes of defining, collecting, organizing, sharing, and using GSSO information in EHRs.

scholarly journals Toward an inclusive digital health system for sexual and gender minorities in Canada

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcy Antonio ◽  
Francis Lau ◽  
Kelly Davison ◽  
Aaron Devor ◽  
Roz Queen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Culturally Competent ◽  
Sexual And Gender Minorities ◽  
Culturally Competent Care ◽  
Information Practices ◽  
Gender Minorities ◽  
System 2 ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Most digital health systems (DHS) are unable to capture gender, sex, and sexual orientation (GSSO) data beyond a single binary attribute with female and male options. This binary system discourages access to preventative screening and gender-affirming care for sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. We conducted this 1-year multi-method project and cocreated an action plan to modernize GSSO information practices in Canadian DHS. The proposed actions are to: (1) Envisage an equity- and SGM-oriented health system; (2) Engage communities and organizations to modernize GSSO information practices in DHS; (3) Establish an inclusive GSSO terminology; (4) Enable DHS to collect, use, exchange, and reuse standardized GSSO data; (5) Integrate GSSO data collection and use within organizations; (6) Educate staff to provide culturally competent care and inform patients on the need for GSSO data; and (7) Establish a central hub to coordinate efforts.

scholarly journals 31.C. Workshop: Development and implementation of action plans on health literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Implementation Strategies ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Action Plans

Abstract Health literacy (HL) has become an important topic in many countries. As HL - meaning the ability to access, understand, appraise and apply health information (Sørensen et al. 2012) - is important to make sound health decisions, to promote health and to take an active part in managing health and illness in everyday life and navigating the health care system. In the modern digital knowledge society, HL is also indispensable for orienting oneself in the abundance of mostly digital health information, including incorrect and false information, for locating reliable information and for assessing the trustworthiness and quality of information. However, available studies show that HL is insufficient in many countries. Low HL has - as many studies show - negative social consequences ranging from unhealthy behaviour, higher risk for diseases, less self-care and deficits in coping with illness and chronicity, to over- and misuse (extensive use) of health care. The promotion of HL is therefore an important public health task. An increasing number of population studies and policy documents currently underline this. The WHO has therefore included HL into many of its strategies, like the declarations of Shanghai (2016) and Astana (2018), and has published several publications focusing on HL, like the Solid Facts (2013), the 57th Health Evidence Network Report (2018) or the Roadmap for Implementing Health Literacy Activities (2019). In many countries, strategies and national action plans to improve HL have been developed in response to the political call for action, e.g. in Scotland, Germany and recently also in Portugal. Other countries and regions are currently working on the development of a HL action plan, e.g. Belgium and the WHO European Region action plan on HL. The development and especially the implementation strategies of action plans in different countries and the experiences gained will be discussed comparatively in the workshop. Following an introduction (10'), two countries, which already have action plans will introduce their implementation strategy in one presentation each: Germany and Portugal (30'). This will be followed by two presentations of countries/regions in which action plans are currently being developed: Belgium and WHO Europe (30'). Afterwards the participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss on the different strategies (20'). The workshop will help other initiatives to successfully develop and implement policy plans and strategies in different fields of public health. Key messages Strategies and national action plans to improve HL have been developed in different countries/regions. It is important to reflect on the chosen development and implementation strategies and to discuss their effects, successes and barriers.

A free, open-source, offline digital health system for refugee care (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Ashworth ◽  
Senan Ebrahim ◽  
Hassaan Ebrahim ◽  
Zahra Bhaiwala ◽  
Michael Chilazi
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Extreme Weather Events ◽  
Mobile Clinic ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Displaced Populations ◽  
Weather Events ◽  
Displaced People

BACKGROUND Rise of conflict, extreme weather events, and pandemics have led to larger displaced populations worldwide. Displaced populations have unique acute and chronic health needs that need to be met by low resource health systems. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have been shown to improve health outcomes in displaced populations but need to be adapted to meet the constraints of these health systems. OBJECTIVE To describe the development and deployment of a EHR designed to care for displaced populations in low resource settings. METHODS Using a human-centered design approach we conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with patients, healthcare providers, and administrators in Lebanon and Jordan to identify the essential EHR features. These features including modular workflows, multilingual interfaces, and offline-first capabilities led to the development of the Hikma Health EHR which has been deployed in Lebanon and Nicaragua. RESULTS We report the successes and challenges from 12 months of Hikma Health EHR deployment in a mobile clinic providing care to Syrian Refugees in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Successes include the EHR’s ability to (1) increase clinical efficacy by providing detailed patient records, (2) prove adaptable to the threats of COVID-19, and (3) improve organizational planning. Lessons learned include technical fixes to methods of identifying patients through name or their medical record ID. CONCLUSIONS As the number of displaced people continues to rise globally, it is imperative that solutions are created to help maximize the healthcare they receive. Free, open-sourced and adaptable EHRs can enable organizations to better provide for displaced populations.

scholarly journals Elements of Trust in Digital Health Systems: Scoping Review

10.2196/11254 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (12) ◽  
pp. e11254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afua Adjekum ◽  
Alessandro Blasimme ◽  
Effy Vayena
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Digital Health

scholarly journals Digital health literacy of health care profession students

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Dratva ◽  
S Juvalta ◽  
M Gemperle ◽  
D Händler-Schuster ◽  
M Scheermesser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Personal Health Information

Abstract Background Digital transformation in health and health systems is a chance and a challenge for health professionals irrespective of their field. To maximize the benefit for patients high digital health literacy is required. A requirement not represented in health professions’ curricula in Switzerland. Little is known on the digital health competencies of students, on their utilization and views of digital media in the context of health, thus a cross-sectional survey was performed at a School of Health Professsions in Switzerland. Methods All BSc. students (N = 1200; nursing, midwifery, occupational health, physiotherapy and health promotion) received an online questionnaire covering utilization of various information resources, views on digital health & media and the German eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS, score 0 - 40). Descriptive and group analyses were performed, further adjusted analyses will be run. Results 453 students responded (female N = 368, male N = 26). Participation was 38% and highest in 1st students. Personal health information resources used most were: internet 82%, familiy&friends 70%, health professionals 66%, textbooks 40%. A majority rated digital media as important (66%) or rather important (30%) for their future professional activities. The overall eHeals-score was 28.6 (sd 4.93); critical evaluation and confidence in applying information scored lowest. Preliminary group analyses show significant increase by study year (1st 28.0, 2nd 28.9, 3rd 29.7, p = 0.01), while scores by gender or health profession were non-significantly different. Conclusions Almost all students in health professions use digital media for their own health information needs and consider digital media as highly relevant for their future career. Critical evaluation skills need to be strenghtend. Digital Health Literacy is only slightly higher in 3rd year students. Longitudinal data are needed to differentiate cohort from learning effects. Key messages Digital media are increasingly important in health systems, a view shared by future health professionals. Data indicate only a small increase of digital health literacy across three years of study. Curricula should include digital health competencies to ensure a highly digitally skilled health work force.

scholarly journals Digital Health and Health Systems of the Future

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. S1-S4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alain Labrique ◽  
Lavanya Vasudevan ◽  
Garrett Mehl ◽  
Ellen Rosskam ◽  
Adnan A. Hyder
Keyword(s):  
Health Systems ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
The Future

scholarly journals A Digital Innovation for the Personalized Management of Adherence: Analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Elisa Hein ◽  
Bernard Vrijens ◽  
Mickael Hiligsmann
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Medication Management ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Personalized Management

Introduction: Personalized medicine and management of adherence are potential solutions for the suboptimal use of medicines. Digital medication management innovations currently under development combine both aspects. This research aims to investigate facilitators for and barriers to the translation of digital innovations for personalized medicine and adherence management into clinical practice from the policymaker and regulator perspective.Methods: A mixed-method study was used combining a scoping review to identify main interests, semi-structured interviews (n = 5) with representatives of European health policymaking and regulatory organizations, and a supplementary literature review to investigate key subthemes. The SWOT analysis was used for the qualitative analysis.Results: The literature reviews and the qualitative interviews suggested that digital solutions can facilitate the personalized management of medications and improve quality and safety, especially as the openness for digital health solutions is increasing. Digital solutions may, on the other hand, add complexity to the treatment, which can be perceived as a potential barrier for their uptake. As more multidisciplinary and participative structures are emerging, digital solutions can promote the implementation of new services. Nevertheless, change progresses slowly in the task-oriented structures of health systems. Integration of digital solutions depends on all stakeholders' willingness and abilities to co-create this change. Patients have different capabilities to self-manage their medical conditions and use digital solutions. Personalization of digital health solutions and integration in existing service structures are crucial to ensure equality among population segments. Developments in the digital infrastructure, although they are partly slow and not well-aligned, enable the implementation of innovations in clinical practice leading to further advances in data generation and usage for future innovations.Discussion: This study suggests that digital solutions have the potential to facilitate high-quality medication management and improve adherence to medications, enable new service structures, and are essential to drive further innovations in health care. Nevertheless, increasing the self-responsibility of patients can have undesirable effects on health outcomes, especially within vulnerable population segments. Digital health solutions can be an opportunity to optimize the use of medicines and thus their efficiency. Well-conceived development and implementation processes are needed to also realize improvements in equality and solidarity within health systems.

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