A Recap of the DTH-Lab Webinar

A group of Regional Youth Champions from our 2023-24 cohort have developed recommendations for national policymakers to advance resilient, inclusive and responsive digitally integrated health systems, drawing on their experience supporting DTH-Lab’s Digital First Health Systems (DFHS) research and consultations.

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, digital first health systems (DFHS) are emerging as a transformative model. DFHS prioritizes the integration of digital technologies into every aspect of health service delivery, aiming to improve accessibility, efficiency and responsiveness. By embedding digital tools at the core of health systems, DFHS promises to enhance universal health coverage, particularly for vulnerable populations. This approach is crucial for addressing the diverse needs of today’s populations, including young people who increasingly turn to digital solutions for health information and services. Embracing DFHS enables countries to build resilient health systems, streamline service delivery, and ensure equitable access to care.

DTH-Lab’s work on DFHS is pivotal in advancing this vision. Responsible for spearheading innovation in digital first approaches, the workstream focuses on designing health systems that are digitally integrated and tailored to the needs of young people globally. Through partnerships, research and consultations with global youth networks, we are working to ensure that the priorities of young populations are reflected in the development of digitally-enabled health systems. 

Through our role as Regional Youth Champions, we have helped to shape DTH-Lab’s research agenda and organized consultations with other young people on the development of a comprehensive blueprint for DFHS. This set of recommendations for national policymakers on enhancing DFHS have emerged from our own expertise and experiences, as well as our interactions with youth across the globe. Collectively we hope to advance the vision of a digitally integrated health system that is resilient, inclusive, and responsive.

Read our collection of essays outlining our priorities for Digital First Health Systems

Key Insights and Recommendations

To create DFHS that meet the needs of all citizens, today and into the future, we recommend that national governments and other stakeholders prioritize and scale up investment in the following ten areas:

  1. Addressing digital illiteracy
  2. Making digital health solutions more accessible
  3. Empowering young healthcare entrepreneurs
  4. Preserving the human touch in digital health
  5. Developing more inclusive digital health strategies 
  6. Promoting a culture of continuous innovation
  7. Investing in core infrastructure; digital determinants of health 
  8. Empowering the health workforce
  9. Protecting patient trust through data privacy.
  10. Engaging communities in designing systems for all

1. Addressing digital illiteracy: bridging the knowledge gap

Digital illiteracy remains a substantial barrier to achieving the full potential of digital health technologies. We recognize two distinct but interrelated literacy challenges: basic digital literacy and basic health literacy. Without addressing these foundational skills, the transition to DFHS will remain fragmented and unequal, excluding the very populations who stand to benefit most.

  • Integrating digital health education into medical curricula: Digital health education must begin at the roots—within medical schools. By integrating interactive, practical modules on telemedicine, Electronic Health Records (EHR), and other digital platforms, medical professionals will not only become proficient in these technologies but will also gain the confidence to implement them. An example of this could be offering simulated EHR systems within academic settings, where students can experience real-world scenarios in managing patient data and conducting virtual consultations. This experiential learning model prepares future physicians to handle the growing demands of cross-border telehealth and digital diagnostics. Governments can incentivize universities to embed these programmes into their curriculums, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare providers is fully equipped for the digital age.

  • Collaborating with technology companies for internships and field exposure: A deeper partnership between academia and the private sector is essential for hands-on learning. Governments should facilitate collaborations between medical institutions and technology companies, offering students internships and immersive experiences in digital health environments. Through such programmes, students could work on developing health applications, refining telemedicine platforms, or innovating wearable health technologies. Field trips to healthcare facilities that actively use digital tools can offer additional exposure, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This cross-disciplinary learning experience will lay the foundation for a digitally fluent healthcare workforce.

     

  • Organizing community-based HealthTech workshops: Beyond the academic realm, it is critical to extend digital health literacy to the broader population. Governments should spearhead community-based HealthTech workshops, where medical students, IT professionals, and local leaders collaborate to design digital health solutions tailored to regional healthcare challenges. These workshops can serve as a platform for interactive learning, where underserved populations can familiarize themselves with digital tools and services, from telemedicine consultations to accessing online health information. Grassroots initiatives like these can empower communities, ensuring that digital health technologies are inclusive and accessible to all, especially marginalized and rural populations.

2. Enhancing accessibility of healthcare services: bridging the gaps

DFHS holds the promise of addressing deep-rooted inequities in healthcare access. For rural, remote, and underserved populations, digital health solutions provide the potential to bypass geographical and economic barriers. However, national governments must take deliberate steps to ensure these benefits are equitably distributed.

  • Remote consultations and telehealth hubs: Establishing telehealth hubs in local primary care centres can revolutionize access to specialized care. These hubs would connect patients in underserved or rural areas with top specialists in urban centers, providing real-time consultations for complex cases without the need for costly and time-consuming travel. Such initiatives could drastically reduce healthcare disparities by ensuring that high-quality care is not confined to urban areas. Governments should allocate resources to build these hubs and offer incentives for specialists to participate in telemedicine networks, particularly in low-resource regions.

  • Virtual triage in emergency care: Emergency situations demand swift and accurate medical intervention. With virtual triage systems, governments can ensure that even the most remote hospitals have access to real-time expert guidance. These platforms enable local healthcare workers to consult with specialists during critical moments, reducing delays in care and improving patient outcomes. Governments should invest in building the infrastructure and protocols for virtual triage, especially in regions prone to natural disasters or conflict where emergency care is most needed.

  • Remote patient monitoring: Wearable health devices and telemonitoring offer tremendous potential for managing chronic conditions, especially for populations with limited access to physical healthcare facilities. By integrating these devices into national health systems, governments can create continuous care models where patients’ vitals are monitored remotely, allowing healthcare providers to intervene early when needed. National health policies should promote the adoption of affordable, scalable remote monitoring systems, supported by reimbursement models that encourage widespread use by patients and healthcare providers alike.

  • Telepsychiatry for mental health support: Mental health services are often scarce in rural and underserved areas. Telepsychiatry provides a lifeline for patients who might otherwise go untreated due to a lack of mental health professionals in their region. Governments should prioritize mental health within their digital health strategies by expanding telepsychiatry programmes and creating virtual platforms where mental health services are available on-demand. This is especially crucial in regions where stigma or limited resources create barriers to seeking mental health support.

3. Empowering Young entrepreneurs: cultivating the next generation of innovators

The future of digital health lies in the hands of the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. To foster creativity and drive digital health innovations, national governments must play an active role in supporting young talent.

  • Capacity-building and competitions: National governments should sponsor innovation challenges, capacity-building programmes, and hackathons that invite young minds to solve pressing healthcare challenges through digital solutions. By offering seed funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities, these initiatives not only cultivate entrepreneurial talent but also generate practical, scalable digital health solutions.

  • Funding and resource accessibility: Establishing national funds dedicated to digital health startups would significantly lower the barriers to entry for young entrepreneurs. With financial backing, access to public healthcare data, and connections to academic and industry mentors, governments can create fertile ground for innovation. Collaborations with multinational tech firms can further ensure that these startups have access to world-class resources and infrastructure, enabling them to scale their solutions regionally and globally.

  • Navigating regulatory challenges: Regulatory complexity often deters startups from entering the healthcare space. Governments should provide clear, streamlined regulatory pathways for digital health innovations, including advisory boards that guide young entrepreneurs in complying with data protection, patient privacy, and medical device regulations. These measures would reduce the bureaucratic burden on startups, allowing them to focus on innovation rather than navigating red tape.

4. Preserving human touch in digital health: balancing innovation and empathy

While technology can enhance efficiency, it must not come at the expense of the human connection that defines quality healthcare. The digital first health model must carefully balance the integration of technology with the human touch that remains essential for patient care.

  • Embracing technology as an enabler: Rather than replacing human interactions, digital tools should be viewed as enhancers of patient-provider relationships. Governments should advocate for technologies that automate routine tasks—such as administrative paperwork, appointment scheduling, and prescription renewals—freeing up healthcare professionals to spend more time in direct patient care.

  • Prioritizing patient-provider relationships: Telehealth platforms should be designed to prioritize thorough, meaningful interactions between patients and providers. Extended virtual consultations, personalized care plans, and continuous follow-up care should be the standard in telemedicine services. Governments must create guidelines and incentives that encourage healthcare providers to maintain high-quality patient interactions, even in digital settings.

  • Implementing telehealth thoughtfully: Digital consultations provide convenience, but in-person visits are still critical for certain types of care, particularly complex diagnostics and sensitive discussions. Governments should develop frameworks that guide when in-person visits are necessary, ensuring that digital health augments rather than replaces face-to-face care.

5. Formulating national digital health policies: a blueprint for inclusivity and sustainability

National digital health policies are essential to building equitable, inclusive, and sustainable DFHS. The following priorities offer a focused approach to policymaking:

  • Inclusive policy design: National policies must reflect the voices of all stakeholders, especially youth and marginalized groups who are often excluded from decision-making. Establishing youth advisory boards and fostering digital advocacy platforms allows these groups to share their unique challenges and experiences. By embedding inclusivity in the policymaking process, governments can craft solutions that resonate with the realities of underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to digital health innovations.

  • Regional customization: Effective policies must address the diverse healthcare needs and digital readiness of different regions. One-size-fits-all strategies often neglect the specific challenges of rural and underserved areas. Governments should collaborate with local stakeholders to design region-specific approaches that reflect local infrastructure capabilities and healthcare demands. This ensures that digital health systems are accessible, relevant, and impactful across all communities.

  • Investing in digital infrastructure: A strong digital health ecosystem requires significant investment in core infrastructure, such as broadband internet, interoperable health systems, and mobile health platforms. These investments must prioritize equitable access, targeting underserved and rural populations to close the digital divide. Additionally, aligning infrastructure development with global sustainability goals ensures that digital health advancements are environmentally responsible and resilient over the long term.

  • Data privacy and security: In a digital first healthcare system, protecting patient data is crucial for building trust and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. Governments must enact robust data protection laws and implement systems that safeguard patient information from breaches. Public education campaigns should accompany these measures to raise awareness of privacy rights and promote transparency, ensuring that citizens feel confident engaging with digital health platforms.

6. Promoting continuous innovation and improvement: a pathway to excellence

Digital health systems must evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities. Governments should actively promote a culture of continuous innovation, where healthcare professionals, technologists, and policymakers collaborate to drive advancements.

  • Engaging students in digital health design: Bringing students from various disciplines—medicine, technology, and public health—into the design process of digital health systems can spark fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Governments can partner with universities and tech companies to provide resources and mentorship, fostering an environment of creative problem-solving. By engaging students early in their careers, governments can build a pipeline of digital health innovators ready to address emerging healthcare challenges.

  • Advocating for comprehensive training programmes: Digital health technologies evolve quickly, and so should the skills of healthcare providers. Governments should prioritize ongoing training programmes that encompass both technological proficiency and real-world applications. These programmes should not only focus on using digital tools but also emphasize critical soft skills such as virtual empathy and effective digital communication. Continuous learning is key to ensuring that healthcare professionals remain adept at delivering quality care in an increasingly digital environment.

  • Fostering Public-private partnerships for innovation: Governments should foster collaboration between academic institutions, industry leaders, healthcare providers, and tech innovators. Such partnerships will drive the development of cutting-edge digital health solutions that address both current and future healthcare challenges. Public-private collaborations can accelerate the integration of AI, data analytics, and mobile health into national healthcare systems, ensuring that innovation translates into tangible improvements in patient care.

7. Investing in core digital infrastructure: building the backbone of DFHS

For digital health to thrive, robust and scalable infrastructure is non-negotiable. Governments must make strategic investments in the core infrastructure required to support a DFHS, ensuring that this infrastructure is both future-proof and inclusive.

  • Expanding broadband internet access: Reliable internet connectivity is the cornerstone of digital health. Without it, remote consultations, telemedicine, and digital health platforms cannot reach those in need. Governments must invest in expanding broadband access to rural and underserved areas, providing the foundational infrastructure required for telehealth and other digital services. This expansion should be accompanied by policies that make internet access affordable and equitable for all citizens.

  • Interoperable health information systems: The seamless exchange of health data across platforms is critical for delivering efficient, high-quality care. Governments should prioritize the development and implementation of interoperable health information systems that allow for the secure sharing of patient data between healthcare providers, institutions, and regions. This will not only improve care coordination but also enhance the ability to track public health trends and respond to national healthcare crises.

  • Developing accessible digital health platforms: Digital health platforms must be user-centric, intuitive, and accessible to all populations, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and those with limited digital skills. Governments should support the development of these platforms, ensuring that they are designed with inclusivity in mind. Accessibility features, such as voice-activated commands, easy-to-navigate interfaces, and multilingual support, are essential for ensuring that digital health tools are available to all.

8. Building capacity through training and education: empowering the workforce

A successful DFHS requires a digitally fluent workforce. Governments must focus on building capacity through comprehensive training programmes that empower healthcare professionals, technologists, and administrators to embrace and excel in digital health.

  • Culturally relevant training programmes: Training programmes should be tailored to the cultural and social contexts of the regions in which they are implemented. For example, digital health training in rural areas might need to address different challenges than in urban centres, such as limited access to digital tools or skepticism towards technology. By designing culturally relevant programmes, governments can ensure that healthcare providers are equipped to meet the unique needs of their patients.

  • Interdisciplinary learning approaches: Digital health is inherently interdisciplinary, blending medicine, technology, and public health. Training programmes should reflect this interdisciplinary nature, offering healthcare professionals opportunities to collaborate with IT experts, data scientists, and engineers. Governments can support the creation of interdisciplinary learning environments, where professionals from various fields come together to solve complex healthcare challenges using digital tools.

  • Feedback-driven continuous improvement: Training programmes must evolve in response to the needs and experiences of participants. Governments should create mechanisms for continuous feedback from healthcare providers, patients, and stakeholders to refine and improve digital health training initiatives. By listening to the frontline experiences of healthcare workers, policymakers can ensure that training remains relevant and impactful.

9. Ensuring robust data privacy and security: protecting patient trust

As healthcare becomes increasingly digitized, the security of patient data becomes paramount. Governments must implement stringent data privacy and security measures to protect sensitive health information and maintain the trust of citizens.

  • Adhering to global data protection standards: National digital health policies must be aligned with global data protection standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. These standards provide a framework for ensuring that patient data is securely stored, shared, and accessed. Governments should develop clear data privacy laws that outline the responsibilities of healthcare providers and technology companies in safeguarding patient information.

  • Educating citizens on data rights: Patient trust in digital health systems is crucial for their success. Governments must not only implement robust security protocols but also educate citizens on their data rights. Public awareness campaigns should inform citizens about how their data is used, stored, and protected, empowering them to make informed decisions about their participation in digital health platforms.

  • Strengthening cybersecurity measures: As healthcare data becomes a valuable target for cyberattacks, governments must prioritize the development of cybersecurity infrastructure. This includes investing in advanced encryption technologies, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and training healthcare providers on cybersecurity best practices. A national cybersecurity strategy for healthcare is essential to prevent data breaches and protect the integrity of digital health systems.

10. Engaging communities and fostering inclusivity: designing systems for all

A truly digital first health system must be inclusive by design, ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or digital literacy level, have access to high-quality healthcare.

  • Inclusive dialogue and policy co-creation: Governments should actively engage communities in the design and implementation of digital health policies. Public forums, online consultations, and social media campaigns can be powerful tools for gathering input from diverse populations, ensuring that digital health solutions reflect the needs and preferences of all citizens. Inclusive policy co-creation fosters trust and ensures that digital health systems are designed with the end-user in mind.

  • Social media awareness campaigns: National governments can leverage social media platforms to raise awareness about digital health initiatives and educate citizens on how to use digital health tools. Targeted campaigns that address specific barriers—such as language, access to devices, or digital literacy—can help bridge the gap between technology and the populations that need it most.

  • Capacity-building in underserved regions: In regions where access to healthcare is limited, governments should invest in capacity-building initiatives that empower local healthcare providers and community leaders to use digital health tools. Physical hubs, such as telemedicine centres, can serve as access points for digital health services in areas with limited infrastructure. These hubs can provide training, resources, and support, ensuring that even the most remote populations benefit from digital health innovations.

Conclusion: the path forward for national governments

As the global shift toward DFHS accelerates, national governments have a critical role to play in shaping the future of healthcare. By addressing digital literacy, expanding access, fostering innovation, ensuring data privacy, and engaging communities, governments can create health systems that are not only technologically advanced but also inclusive, sustainable and resilient. The recommendations outlined here provide a comprehensive framework for national governments to take decisive action in building healthcare systems that meet the needs of all citizens, today and into the future.

Nojus Saad is a health technology entrepreneur, medical doctor, and social justice advocate with 7+ years of multinational research, policy development, and social entrepreneurial expertise around digital healthcare, gender justice, and healthcare technology.

Imane Lakbachi is a human rights advocate with a background in computer science. She is the Director of Network Engagement at IYAFP, and the Founder of Concealed Narratives; a local youth-led initiative using digital advocacy and storytelling to raise awareness around women and girls issues in Morocco.

Yifan Zhou  PharmD, ACPR, is a pharmacist in Canada, where she practices both in the industry and hospital. As the immediate past Chairperson of External Relations at International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF), she managed over 20 partner and sponsors relations.

Inês Viva’s  medical journey spans clinical medicine, research, and consultancy in various esteemed institutions. Her leadership qualities are evident from her tenure on executive boards of NGOs affiliated with WHO and the UN such as the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations.

Caroline Knop is a medical student at Charité Berlin with a strong interest in the digital transformation of health. She served as National Public Health Officer of the German Medical Student’s Association 2022/23 and was part of the International Federation of Medical Student’s Associations delegation to the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

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