The WHO Regional Office for Europe will host a webinar on 28 November to explore advancements and current trends in digital health. This is the fifth in the Decoding Data and Digital Health series, which addresses digital health topics of importance to countries in the WHO European Region.
European health care in a digital era
The rapid evolution of digital technology is a defining characteristic of the modern era and is having a profound impact on various sectors, including health care. Digital solutions, such as telemedicine, mobile health apps and wearable devices, are transforming the way health conditions are diagnosed and treated. WHO/Europe is advocating for harnessing the power of technology to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality and accessibility of health services.
WHO/Europe’s latest report on the subject, “Digital health in the European Region: the ongoing journey to commitment and transformation,” notes that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated the creation and use of digital health tools and policies in many countries. However, there is still much work to be done, particularly in the areas of data governance, data privacy and digital health equity.
The regional digital health action plan for the WHO European Region 2023–2030 emphasizes a people-centred approach in digital health development. One of its key priorities involves keeping up with digital trends and scaling up effective solutions at regional or country level.
The webinar
Exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with the digitalization of health care, the 1-hour event will help build momentum towards creating more inclusive and accessible health systems in Europe and Central Asia.
A panel of experts will discuss potential areas of innovation, including low-code and no-code development platforms, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Medical Things, as well as their potential in alleviating challenges faced by health professionals and patients.
The agenda also includes a closer look at practical applications, benefits, common barriers and ethical considerations in adopting digital health innovations. Additionally, the webinar will highlight key stakeholders and their roles in facilitating and scaling up cutting-edge technology in the health-care sector. The panel will include speakers with experience of the implementation and use of innovative technologies in health care, who can provide insights on best practices and lessons learned.
The webinar is open to the public, including digital health developers, policy-makers, researchers and health-care practitioners. Please use the registration link if you are interested in taking part.