Building Digital Health Competencies in Developing Countries

In the context of this book, digital health competency refers to "the use of information and communications technology in support of health and health-related fields" (WHO, 2019). The concept of digital health may appear overwhelming upon first glance. Numerous health care services as well as providers employ classic paper-based systems for information, and taking up technology is not within the possibilities and expertise of several health systems. Initiating with digital health, nevertheless, is similar to implementing any novel program, often with more questions than answers. To begin, especially for practitioners with limited or no background with technology, comes "What can digital health really do?" The correct answers may not always be technology, yet if it is, an abundance of informed decisions must be taken. Various of these decisions center around trade-offs, and even though no "right" answer really exists, some options have greater context-relevance and are more feasible than others when considering developing countries. Taking up a participatory angle to developing the envisioned digital tool with end users is paramount. Empowering health care professionals to try out a concept or model a situation with the potential digital health tool to potentially outphase their current systems can shine light on key insights. It is then possible to fine tune top ideas into even better answers with the added perspective of those who will be affected.