Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Digital Health Implementations Scoping Review and Key Considerations

Abstract

Digital health refers to the use of technology in healthcare services to manage illnesses and health risks and to promote wellness. Digital health implementations have the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing innovative solutions to long-standing challenges. However, the effectiveness of digital health implementations is still a subject of ongoing discussion and health systems face unique, complex challenges in adopting, implementing, and operationalizing digital health tools. Addressing these factors is crucial to the success of digital health implementation. A scoping review and evidence synthesis was conducted to examine the factors influencing digital health implementations and identify the key considerations of experts in the healthcare system in Ireland both at national, regional, and local levels. The aim of the study was to review the literature and identify the key factors influencing the effectiveness of digital health implementations and explore the barriers and enablers that impact the implementation process. The priorities and considerations that healthcare organisations should consider when implementing digital health technologies are addressed, with input from experts. Key considerations when implementing digital health technologies include ensuring organisational readiness, developing a financially viable business model, using evidence- based practices, managing data efficiently, motivating and educating healthcare professionals, and engaging patients and including them in the process. The importance of expediting the establishment of an enabling governance for good digital health, to advance the establishment of a national digital health authority, and enable digital health at national, regional, and local levels aligned with the HSE strategy is highlighted. Additionally, it is proposed that a life-cycle approach should be adopted for both financial and human resource perspective, and strategic financial longitudinal investments should be confirmed. Furthermore, it is essential to establish national and regional leadership, utilize user- friendly technological tools, develop a national infrastructure for data and information management, enable cybersecurity, and define organizational roles clearly and enable and mandate strong leadership at the organizational and system level. Patients should be treated as a resource and involved in co-design, enabling informed choice, and ensuring appropriate representation of users at the governance level. Finally, partnerships with academic stakeholders, expedited programs of research and financial support, and ensuring developments are evidence-based are critical for successful digital health implementations.