Digital Health

Abstract

Digital health is the intersection of information, computer, and medical science and healthcare, which focusses on adopting information technology (IT) within clinical and healthcare processes. In this chapter, a maturity measurement framework of digital health in China is developed. The framework is applied to contextualize different aspects of the recent progress, opportunities, and challenges of digital health in China; more specifically, to identify its potential in improving the quality and delivery of healthcare (SDG3) and the way health information is shared through new value chains in the health system. The demand of quality education, digital health literacy, and expansion of complementary skills among health professionals, patients, and the general population will become more important to ensure inclusive and equitable education and to promote lifelong learning (SDG4). Transforming health service supply through digitization (automating processes) as well as digitalization (changing to new model of care deliveries) will enable better access in rural regions and help prevent the urban–rural divide faced by many people. Progress in digital health can facilitate equality between populations and reduce inequality among different groups of population by location, health, or economic status (SDG10). This chapter discusses the recent establishment of the Chinese National Health Information Platform, also known as the 4631-2 project, and then takes a system perspective to assess the impacts by covering four dimensions: translation, education, transformation, and technology. Finally, the chapter provides future projections on the basis of the literature synthesis, including opportunities and challenges for a sustainable digital health system in China.