How digital transformation can accelerate data use in health systems

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Digital Health Transformation
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• Countries globally aim to improve health outcomes through digitalization and data-driven decision-making.
• A "one size fits all" approach to digital transformation in health is not feasible.
• Understanding diverse country experiences is vital for developing effective digital health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the digital transformation journeys of five African countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania).
• To identify essential components and interactions for successful digitalization in health data use.
• To develop a holistic model for digital transformation in health.

Main Methods:

• Document analysis of five African countries' digitalization efforts.
• Interviews with key informants and focus groups to validate findings.
• Identification of core components, enabling factors, and barriers to digital transformation.

Main Results:

• Digital transformation success hinges on interrelated components, including stakeholder engagement, workforce capacity, and governance.
• Two critical, previously unaddressed components identified: fostering a data-use culture and managing system-wide behavior change.
• Digitalization efforts must extend beyond systems and tools to address human and cultural factors.

Conclusions:

• A new model for digital transformation in health data use has been developed based on empirical findings.
• The model provides evidence-based strategies for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and policymakers.
• Implementation of the model can enhance digital transformation for improved health systems, planning, and service delivery.