7 August 2024 (PAHO) - The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) recently introduced the concept of digitally smart health facilities (DSHF) as a groundbreaking approach to expanding access and revolutionizing healthcare in the Americas. Described in an editorial, led by our Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, published in the Pan American Journal of Public Health, this innovative framework integrates digital infrastructure, tools, services, and digital literacy into the planning, construction, or renovation of health care facilities at all levels of care. By harnessing the power of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, mobile apps, and telehealth, DSHFs aim to enhance patient outcomes, increase operational efficiency, and strengthen health system resilience, particularly during public health emergencies and disasters. Inspired by PAHO's Safe Hospitals initiative, DSHFs are built upon the use of information and communication technologies to expand access to care and optimize health services.
"The concept of DSHFs encapsulates the integration of advanced digital technologies into healthcare facilities," explained the authors. "This vision extends beyond the current scope of digital enhancements in health care, proposing a comprehensive transformation that not only optimizes health care delivery but also ensures resilience against public health emergencies and disasters."
Key elements of DSHFs include:
Integration of advanced digital technologies to enhance healthcare delivery.
Enhanced patient experience through personalized care and increased engagement.
Improved operational efficiency through streamlined administrative processes and workflow optimization.
Strengthening resilience by ensuring continuity of care during emergencies and disasters through digital solutions.
Links
Introducing the concept of digitally smart health facilities: a vision for the future
Pan American Journal of Public Health
