AI and digital technologies: Paving the way for sustainable health systems

In a side event for the 76th World Health Assembly, HYPER | Healthcare: Youth Perspectives. EmpoweRed, the International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation (IPSF), and Governing health futures 2030: Growing up in a digital world (GHFutures2030), brought together stakeholders actively working in digital health. This event, titled “New era: AI and digital technologies for sustainable health systems,” took place on Friday, 26 May.?

Brian Wong, Consultant, WHO European Observatory on Health Systems & Policies, kicked-off the discussion by sharing key topics identified by an unusual keynote: Chat GPT. It identified themes that were covered throughout the panel, including how digital health solutions can be leveraged to address health disparities, enable Universal Health Coverage (UHC), foster health literacy, close the digital divide, and engage youth in shaping these technologies.

Youth engagement: Striving toward an equitable digital health landscape

In this evolving landscape, Dr Ilona Kickbusch of the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, explored the relationship between the increasing digitization of the world and the similar transformation within our health systems.

While these developments are encouraging, it is crucial to acknowledge that the march toward digitization may also widen societal divides, especially in nations that lack digital literacy. Consequently, as we actively digitize our health systems, it is paramount to meaningfully involve young professionals, fostering an environment for their innovative inputs and active participation in co-designing these systems.

“Digital first health systems must deliver equitable benefits for the health, well-being, and safety of young people and their communities. Realizing this vision requires us to?put young people’s needs and voices at the center?of the design and governance of digital-first health systems,” explained Dr Kickbusch.

As we build these new technologies, we must consider three key areas of concern – the protection of data privacy, the recognition of data determinants of health, and a thorough understanding of the impacts of the digital world on mental health.

Harnessing the human-centric approach: Bridging ideas with implementation

Taking a step further into the intricacies of this transformation, Sameer Pujari from the Department of Digital Health & Innovation at the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the vital importance of a human-centered approach to digital health. This approach facilitates collaboration, inspires practical implementation, and encourages the development of sustainable models.

Moreover, AI must first help us navigate areas where the current health system has gaps and focus on those most vulnerable. For instance, in rural Africa, where cervical cancer treatments are prohibitively expensive, AI-based interventions could be a game-changer, reducing costs and enhancing availability.

“We need to make sure that?health for all?is equitable and?digital health?is an enabler for that,” said Pujari.

This journey toward equitable health for all involves public-private relations, robust education, empowerment of innovators, and stringent enforcement of appropriate regulations. As we steer ahead, cautious optimism and responsible usage of AI emerge as the guiding principles.

From local solutions to global impact: Insights from the field

In the quest to transform health systems, collaborations and regional networks are fundamental, as stressed by Joseline Carias Galeano, General Manager at RECAINSA. A case in point is Latin America, a region demonstrating varying levels of digital health, where securing the legal rights of the people and protecting data is paramount.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Sarah Tuytschaever, Digital Care Transformation Lead at UCB, adds insights from a pharmaceutical perspective. She elaborates on how pharma companies are increasingly harnessing digital technology to improve patient outcomes and how AI proves instrumental in diagnosing chronic diseases. Tuytschaever also points out that public-private partnerships bring aid to those that are in dire need. For these relationships to be successful, the proper incentives and reimbursements must be in place to create lasting change.

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of healthcare transformation. By?forging partnerships?among all the major players – healthcare organizations, payers, industry, government, and technology companies – we can?unleash the full potential of innovation?to drive positive change and improve the lives of patients worldwide,” Tuytschaever pointed out.

Yifan Zhou, a representative from the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF), showcased how young professionals can innovate with a human-centered approach. A shining example of this is a student-run clinic in Toronto, Canada that, during the COVID-19 crisis, transitioned from a walk-in service to an electronic check-in system, enhancing efficiency and maintaining patient access. This stresses the need for connectivity and a strong foundation in AI and digital technologies in the curriculum, equipping young professionals with the knowledge and skills to contribute significantly to the digital health transformation.

Zhou concluded that “digital health doesn’t have to be ground-breaking – it just needs to be practical to solve a problem.”

Barriers, opportunities, and the road ahead: The complex terrain of digital health innovation

The founder of GIC Space, Conrad Tankou, emphasized the barriers that exist, especially in regions like Africa. He pointed out that regulatory issues, government roadblocks, and a lack of digital literacy make it challenging for young professionals to explore and innovate within digital health. However, he also reiterated that, despite these hurdles, digital health carries immense potential to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility. Education, awareness, and the provision of resources are key elements in this endeavor.

Tankou is confident that “unlocking the transformative power of digital technologies and AI developed by young minds in Africa can?bridge healthcare gaps, fostering inclusivity and improved access. These bright innovators hold immense potential to revolutionize the medical landscape. Yet, to sustain and scale their solutions, they require the right support, partnerships, and an enabling regulatory environment to nurture their brilliance, empowering them to create a?healthier future for Africa.”

The future of digital health

We must acknowledge that, while AI and digital technologies are indeed revolutionary, they shouldn't merely be seen as short-term hype. Their true value lies in their ability to increase the quality of care, not just access. Ensuring ethical implementation and promoting the concept of augmented intelligence, where AI aids humans instead of replacing them, is crucial.

As the presence of AI grows, protecting the most vulnerable, especially in the context of data protection, becomes an important concern. Moreover, there is a need to ensure that the introduction of digital technologies doesn't escalate healthcare costs, warranting regulations and legal protections for vulnerable communities. As Zhou said, “the rise of digital health has improved access to health services for many. However, marginalized communities are often left behind. We must?innovate with underserved communities?in mind to truly achieve UHC.”

Overall, the transformation to digital health systems involves more than just introducing AI and digital technologies. It requires a shift in mindset, a conducive environment for local solutions to scale nationally, and an ecosystem that supports young innovators to take the lead. Despite the challenges, the digital revolution in healthcare holds a promise of improved accessibility, equity, and sustainability, shaping a healthier future for all.

The event recording is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7KnD1dKkk0.

?The event was also covered in Health Policy Watch:?https://healthpolicy-watch.news/digital-health-systems-need-to-consciously-involve-young-people/.