The Digital Health Centre
About this good practice
The Digital Health Centre (DHC) addresses healthcare challenges via innovative eHealth solutions, emphasizing health promotion and prevention. It collaboratively develops educational pathways within its eHealth platform, involving stakeholders like healthcare providers, patient organizations, citizens, and government bodies.
DHC targets chronic diseases, with a focus on older adults, who actively use its services. Implementation includes designing the mHealth app "MyLife – MyHealth," featuring sections like 'My Daily Focus' and 'My Mental Health' with diverse content for engaging user experiences. The collaborative model ensures sustained engagement, leading to significant long-term impacts such as improved healthcare accessibility, preventive measures, and reduced burden on healthcare facilities. DHC remains a cornerstone in healthcare, continuously innovating and setting a blueprint for similar national initiatives.
DHC has in june 2024 been officially nominated for the SilverEco & Ageing Well International Awards 2024.
Resources needed
Regarding financial resources collaboration ensures success. The platform's modular structure allows easy customization. Funding comes primarily from app and website development (2.2 million DKK). Operational costs for the center are covered by municipalities and foundations.
Evidence of success
DHC developed various eHealth pathways: patient education, online HCP curriculum, and an mHealth app facilitating communication. The app sees an average of 5 daily downloads. Currently, 1000 users engage in online education, with an expected 300 new users quarterly. Evaluations show positive citizen impact, and a cost-effective business case. Partnership expanded to 20 municipalities and four regions, demonstrating scalability. GDPR compliance ensures user privacy, appreciated by most users.
Potential for learning or transfer
Since 2015, DHC developed eHealth pathways: patient education, HCP training, an mHealth app, and personalized learning for chronic illnesses. The app averages 5 daily downloads, with 1000 chronic disease users and an expected 300 quarterly. Evaluations confirm citizen impact and cost-effectiveness. The partnership expanded to 20 municipalities and four regions, showcasing scalability. GDPR compliance ensures user privacy. Benefits include efficient online meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration. Barriers involve digital competency and sustained communication. The user-centric mHealth platform, adaptable to various contexts, promotes proactive healthcare trends. Collaboration ensures continuous improvement and ownership. Challenges include content adaptation and regulatory compliance. DHC's success in national expansion indicates transferability. "MyLife - MyHealth" holds promise for improving population health worldwide, with lessons for successful implementation and adaptation.