On 20 June, WHO/Europe will host a 1-hour public webinar exploring the challenges, opportunities and facilitators involved in advancing equity in health care through telemedicine. This is the fourth webinar in the ‘Decoding Data and Digital Health’ series, which addresses several digital health topics of importance to countries in the WHO European Region, including health data governance and monitoring digital technologies for health.
The webinar
Access to health care is a universal right that must be available to all individuals, regardless of their background. However, there are still significant disparities in access to services, particularly among marginalized populations and underserved communities. To bridge this gap and ensure equitable health outcomes, it is crucial to focus on achieving inclusivity in health care delivery. Telemedicine has gained increasing prominence as a promising solution to address these disparities.
By leveraging the potential of telehealth, providers can reduce costs and increase availability of services, while patients can receive quality care regardless of their area of residence. Moreover, telehealth solutions may include accessibility features, such as screen readers, closed captioning, and alternative communication methods, to accommodate individuals with disabilities and allow immunocompromised or severely ill patients to receive consultations from the comfort and safety of their homes.
To achieve optimal inclusivity through telehealth, it is crucial to understand the unique challenges faced by diverse communities and tailor the solutions accordingly. The 1-hour webinar, hosted by WHO/Europe’s data and digital health team via Zoom, will bring together a panel of experts who have experience in the use of telehealth as a part of the digital transformation of health care, and will share insights on best practices and lessons learned.
The webinar panel will include:
- Francesc Saigí Rubió, Associate Professor and Director of the Faculty of Health Sciences' Telemedicine Programme at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain);
- Karianne Lind, Research Librarian at Norwegian Centre for E-health Research; and
- a representative from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (cTEL) (TBC).
The public event will include presentations and a Q&A session for participants to discuss specific telehealth matters. To join the webinar, please register here.
Challenges and opportunities in telehealth
In 2022, a study by WHO/Europe and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found telemedicine technologies to be beneficial in the screening, diagnosis, management, treatment and long-term follow-up of chronic diseases in the Region. At the same time, the study also found barriers related to users, technology and infrastructure, calling for more comprehensive approaches to telemedicine in the Region.
At the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe, all 53 Member States of the Region adopted WHO/Europe’s ‘Regional digital health action plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030’. The plan prioritizes a people-centred approach to digital health development and emphasizes the importance of promoting health equity to create more inclusive digital societies. This webinar aims to support these goals and generate momentum towards a more equitable future for all.