The World Health Organization's (WHO) network, which includes 53 member states and partners in data and digital health, will address issues of digital transformation in health care. The European branch of the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a digital health network for member states aimed at resolving barriers to the use of technology in health and care.
The Strategic Partners Initiative for Data and Digital Health (SPI-DDH) consists of more than 100 representatives from the 53 European member states, as well as governmental, intergovernmental, non-governmental organizations, WHO Collaborating Centers for Data and Digital Health, academia and the private sector.
Digital transformation
The goal of the Health Network is to look at and resolve issues related to the digital transformation of healthcare in an effort to foster a culture where patients and staff can benefit from affordable, safe and person-centered technology.
"The shared goal that brings us together today is to create a new dialogue that engages the right stakeholders around the issues that matter most. No single entity can unleash the full potential of digital health and data. But through the knowledge and understanding cultivated through this platform, we can work together to ensure that the values of equity and human rights are at the heart of health systems in a digital age," said Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe.
Problems with data and digital systems
WHO says that countries in Europe continue to struggle with various data and digital systems issues. These include cost, implementing and driving digital transformation and poor interoperability of health data.
A WHO report on digital health in Europe found that, in the few countries that were able to provide access to those budgets, on average only 2 percent of national health budgets were allocated to digital solutions. Only just over a third (35%) of countries have formed policies on the use of big data and analytics. There are also issues with staff and patient trust in digital systems, particularly in the areas of privacy and security.
Four project groups
Four project groups have been formed within the network, each focusing on a different challenge. For example, one group will address responsible artificial intelligence (AI) and the use of technology to unlock capacity and access to health care. Another group is working on leveraging data and digital technologies to prevent people from ending up in the hospital and help them at home. The third group takes an ecosystem approach to standards and interoperability, while the fourth group focuses on strengthening public health, with an emphasis on mental health.
The overall goal is to develop scenarios for health care delivery and data use that can be used to support further transformation of health systems in Europe. The framework consists of 40 screened consultancy services that can provide a range of support measures to the sector. This includes digital training and upskilling of staff, support in implementing digital projects, clinical informatics consulting services and the provision of temporary digital, data and technology (DDaT) staff.
Global initiative
In February 2024, WHO published a Global Initiative on Digital Health with the aim of assessing needs, building capacity and collaborating on digital health across member states. At the ICT&health World Conference, Alain Labrique, WHO Health & Innovation director, also spoke about the need for a global approach to make the digital transition of healthcare a success.
"We dream of a world where healthcare is available to all by realizing that it is more affordable, more available, more accessible and patient centered. To make that happen, it is imperative that as a country you have a clear vision for digital health care, because from that vision you can work to make it happen. After all, only when you know where you want to go can you create a roadmap based on which you can achieve your goal. By now, more than 75 percent of countries have formulated a clear vision for digital health care, and of course we at WHO are very pleased with that," Labrique said.
