BJAS & JAIR (Journals)
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Engaging Patients and Citizens in Digital Health – Opportunity or Challenge?
Get PDFDigital health innovations thrive when patient involvement is integrated from the outset. This commentary highlights insights from the DigiHealthDayS-2024 Scientific Congress, emphasizing the pivotal role of patient engagement in shaping digital health solutions. Drawing on recent presentations, it is evident that early collaboration with patients—not merely as end users, but as co-creators and experts—yields solutions that are more user-centered, effective, and sustainable. The WHO has been strongly recommending patient engagement in primary care ever since 2016, underscoring its importance in improving care quality and fostering trust. Key innovations include the structured use of advisory boards, focus groups, real-world evidence platforms, agile development processes, and the acknowledgment of patient diversity. Furthermore, the session calls for embedding patient collaboration modules into digital health curricula, ensuring that future practitioners are well-versed in participatory design and ethical compensation. This commentary discusses these findings, identifies critical considerations for effective patient involvement, and outlines future directions for research and policy in digital health innovation
Digitisation Technologies to Ensure Production Conformity
Get PDFEnsuring production conformity is a growing challenge in the automotive industry. The reasons for this are the increasing number of vehicle variants combined with increasing regulatory requirements in import markets.
Instances of non-compliance with production standards, also referred to as \u27Conformity of Production\u27 (CoP), may lead to significant penalties. Today, a partially random and manual assurance process is used in production.
Previous research has shown that automation offers promising potential for improving the CoP process.
The goal is to identify and evaluate an appropriate automation solution for the overall CoP process. The focus of this contribution is on the digitization of the selection process for part IDs and other homologation-relevant labels.
The approach is to apply state-of-the-art evaluation logic to the automated identification of part IDs and homologation-relevant markings in the context of the assurance process in order to identify these markings with the greatest potential for improvement in the automated identification process.
The method with the best prospects of success will undergo initial piloting.
The Business Model Framework for Digital Health Start-ups in Europe, based on the Innovation Landscape
Get PDFIn today’s fast-paced world, it is difficult to acquire the same quality level of healthcare efficiently. To achieve a similar quality of service in a shorter time, digital health solutions ranging from applications to online registration play a pivotal role in the lives of healthcare practitioners and more specifically patients.
The new digital health paradigms have shifted to be more patient-centric, preventive, predictive, and personalized to more accurately and precisely cater to the patient’s needs. The dawn of novel innovative technologies revolutionizing the digital health sector across the globe has generated multiple value creations and research opportunities. The following research focuses on studying innovation diffusion in the digital health sector and its effect on the success of start-ups via analysis of the business models [1]. It is essential to understand the significant proportionality of innovation to the success of digital health startups in delivering quality care to users/patients without compromising quality or failing to create business value in the current competitive market
AI Integration in EHR-Based Pharmacovigilance: A Comparative Study of Germany and Egypt
Get PDFIntroduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) depends mainly on traditional reporting as a main source of data. This research will focus on another source, namely EHRs (electronic healthcare records). As we deal with big data from EHRs, AI (artificial intelligence) tools will be indispensable for the processing, and analysis of data and the early detection of ADRs (adverse drug reactions) from EHRs. In this research, we will explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of the experts regarding the current application of AI in EHR-based PV, the potential benefits of implementing these technologies in PV, and the challenges toward their implementation in Germany and Egypt.
Methodology: A semi-structured survey of 30 questions that targeted the attitudes, knowledge and experience from PV experts (172 responses) was conducted.
Results: The results revealed that most PV companies in Egypt or Germany do not use EHRs as a main data source. This can be attributed to the lack of the application of EHRs in Germany and Egypt (e.g. EHRs in Germany is in a very early phase). Most of the PV organizations in both companies do not use AI as well in their PV activities. There is also a lack of proper adherence to data protection regulations in Egypt. However, the participants in both countries show a very positive attitude toward the adoption of AI and EHRs in the PV.
Conclusion: AI technologies and EHRS in the domain of PV are very rarely applied either separately or collectively in both countries, there is also a lack of knowledge among PV specialists about Digital Health but there are positive attitudes toward its adoption
Towards a Globally Recognized and Harmonized Degree of Master of Digital Health (MDH): The Case for an MDH Alliance
Get PDFThe digital transformation of healthcare is advancing at an unprecedented pace, reshaping systems, providers, and societies worldwide. While technological development accelerates, the education and training of the health workforce lag behind, producing critical gaps in digital competencies and undermining the adoption of innovation. Biomedical and Health Informatics (BMHI) has historically provided the academic foundations for this field, but the emergence of Digital Health as a broader, interdisciplinary paradigm demands new approaches to education. This paper explores the rationale for a globally harmonized Master of Digital Health (MDH) degree, modeled after the success of the Master of Public Health (MPH), and presents a call for the establishment of an MDH Alliance. We review the history of BMHI education, the evolution towards Digital Health, the development of knowledge, skills, and competences (KSCs), and the role of the workforce in digital transformation. We highlight recent calls for an MDH degree by global thought leaders, drawing inspiration from the MPH, and building on our institutional experience transitioning from a Master of Medical Informatics to a Master of Digital Health. We argue that a coordinated international initiative is essential to ensure quality, comparability, and professional mobility in Digital Health education, and to provide the workforce required for equitable and sustainable digital transformation of health systems
From Menace to Market: The Economic Transformation of Invasive Species
Get PDFAbstract
Invasive species, encompassing both plants and animals, are prevalent across much of Europe. The European Union currently lists 88 invasive species, which, lacking natural predators, tend to spread uncontrollably in various regions. While these species may have some positive effects, they predominantly present significant ecological and economic challenges. This paper explores the potential for human intervention as a "natural" predator or consumer of these invasive species. It examines how established companies and innovative startups mainly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) are addressing the issue of invasive species, including logistical considerations and the challenges they encounter. The paper also provides practical recommendations for improvement on scientific, practical, economic, and political levels. This study demonstrates that innovative economic business models can enable companies to both mitigate the spread of invasive species and utilize them as valuable resources. However, compared to conventional enterprises in agriculture or animal husbandry, these companies face greater challenges in sourcing such species—primarily due to logistical constraints. Since invasive species are neither cultivated nor bred, they often occur in remote areas and must be hunted or gathered in the wild, which complicates their systematic use.Invasive species, encompassing both plants and animals, are prevalent across much of Europe. The European Union currently lists 88 invasive species, which, lacking natural predators, tend to spread uncontrollably in various regions. While these species may have some positive effects, they predominantly present significant ecological and economic challenges. This paper explores the potential for human intervention as a "natural" predator or consumer of these invasive species. It examines how established companies and innovative start-ups mainly in the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) are addressing the issue of invasive species, including logistical considerations and the challenges they encounter. The paper also provides practical recommendations for improvement on scientific, practical, economic, and political levels. This study demonstrates that innovative economic business models can enable companies to both mitigate the spread of invasive species and utilize them as valuable resources. However, compared to conventional enterprises in agriculture or animal husbandry, these companies face greater challenges in sourcing such species—primarily due to logistical constraints. Since invasive species are neither cultivated nor bred, they often occur in remote areas and must be hunted or gathered in the wild, which complicates their systematic use.
Invasive Arten, darunter sowohl Pflanzen als auch Tiere, sind in weiten Teilen Europas verbreitet. Die Europäische Union listet derzeit 88 invasive Arten auf, die sich aufgrund fehlender natürlicher Fressfeinde in verschiedenen Regionen unkontrolliert ausbreiten. Diese Arten können zwar auch positive Auswirkungen haben, stellen jedoch überwiegend erhebliche ökologische und wirtschaftliche Herausforderungen dar. In diesem Beitrag wird das Potenzial menschlicher Eingriffe als „natürliche” Fressfeinde oder Konsumenten dieser invasiven Arten untersucht. Es wird beleuchtet, wie etablierte Unternehmen und innovative Start-ups vor allem in der DACH-Region (Deutschland, Österreich und Schweiz) mit dem Problem invasiver Arten umgehen, einschließlich logistischer Überlegungen und der Herausforderungen, denen sie dabei begegnen. Der Beitrag enthält auch praktische Empfehlungen für Verbesserungen auf wissenschaftlicher, praktischer, wirtschaftlicher und politischer Ebene. Diese Studie zeigt, dass innovative wirtschaftliche Geschäftsmodelle es Unternehmen ermöglichen können, sowohl die Ausbreitung invasiver Arten einzudämmen als auch diese als wertvolle Ressourcen zu nutzen. Im Vergleich zu konventionellen Unternehmen in der Landwirtschaft oder Tierhaltung stehen diese Unternehmen jedoch vor größeren Herausforderungen bei der Besorgung solcher invasiven Arten als Rohstoffe – vor allem aufgrund logistischer Einschränkungen. Da invasive Arten weder angebaut noch gezüchtet werden, kommen sie oft in abgelegenen Gebieten vor und müssen in freier Wildbahn gejagt oder gesammelt werden, was ihre systematische Nutzung erschwert
Health apps for children: Deploying Digital Health in a safe, high quality and high efficacy way in the Paediatric field.
No full textResearch shows children and young people (CYP) engage with apps from as young as 1 years old. CYP often see the value of wearables and enjoy the educational experience of being proactively involved in their health education and management. Parents, carers and teachers are heavy influencers of digital health use, but adults themselves lack policies around digital health education, often focus on risks, and are less familiar with child-led digital health education.
Health applications (apps) can create a space for children to learn about health, healthy lifestyles and preventative health measures: Providing personalised knowledge as their bodies and needs develop. CYP are growing up in a world where many health services are likely to have a so-called ‘digital front door’, with some health management strategies or results likely to be delivered on-line or virtually. Due to stretched resources, CYP may need to be able to self-manage mild health conditions and could be better prepared to transition to adult services where they are likely to need to manage their digital health records and safe sharing of their personal health information.
CYP have the ability to be the ‘Trojan horse’, introducing apps, wearables or digital health solutions to parents, carers or wider family members without digital literacy or experience. Paediatric apps and related health tech or wearables need to keep a child safe, connected, educated, empowered and healthy. Children should ideally access health apps that are appropriate for their age and support management of their health preventatively and proactively. Children are best not considered as ‘little adults’, despite many apps, available on worldwide app stores, widening the age range of adult health apps to include children. Children have specific health, cognitive, developmental and physiological needs which need to be reflected in the health apps and digital health solutions recommended by health care professionals.
This paper examines the considerations needed for designing, recommending, and using paediatric health apps.
Transitioning from Paper to Electronic Medical Records in Austrian Helicopter Emergency Medical Services: A Usability Evaluation
Get PDFIntroduction: This study examines the development and usability evaluation of an electronic documentation application specifically designed for the Austrian Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). The primary objective is to assess how HEMS crew members, accustomed to paper-based documentation, perceive the usability of the electronic system.
Method: The application was developed using React Native and tailored to the unique demands of the high-stress environment characteristic of HEMS. No existing digital documentation solutions were analyzed or incorporated; instead, the design was grounded entirely in evidence-based practices. The development process underwent iterative refinement based on user feedback in collaboration with a HEMS crew member. A total of thirty healthcare professionals were recruited through convenience and purposive sampling methods. Usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS), complemented by qualitative insights obtained from open-ended questions.
Results: The findings indicate an average System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 79.92. Notably, older and more experienced users, as well as those possessing advanced digital skills, provided favorable ratings for the application. Conversely, younger and less experienced users exhibited lower levels of satisfaction. The qualitative analysis revealed four primary themes: automation and integration, the need for improvement and adaptation, a positive disposition towards the application, and prioritization of simplification and efficiency despite existing concerns.
Conclusion: This study underscores the necessity for ongoing optimization within digital healthcare applications, highlighting the critical alignment with user needs. Future developments should prioritize not only technical enhancements but also the optimization of the overall user experience
Scientific Session on Thursday, November 14th
Get PDFThe scientific session encompassed a range of topics centred around the application of technology to advance healthcare and medical education.
David Naguib’s presentation explored the potential and challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in electronic health record-(EHR-)based pharmacovigilance in Germany and Egypt to improve adverse drug reactions (ADR) detection.
Mariam Barseghyan and colleagues discussed a digital intervention using the ICOnnecta’t App to address the psychological impact of breast cancer and premature menopause.
Tatul Saghatelyan and colleagues presented the successful pilot implementation of a mobile mammographic screening program in Armenia, highlighting its IT infrastructure and impact on early detection.
Arman Darbinyan and colleagues detailed the use of deep learning for automatic electrocardiography (ECG) and mammography analysis to detect cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Arsen Arakelyan introduced the Armenian Genome Project as a pathway to personalized medicine, focusing on characterizing the Armenian genome and its implications for health.
Finally, Ozar Mintser’s presentation addressed AI-powered learning technologies and the knowledge tracing problem in medical education, advocating for proactive educational strategies.
Overall, the session showcased diverse applications of AI and digital platforms in screening, diagnosis, monitoring, and education across different medical fields and geographical contexts
Ontology-Based Approach for the Creation of Medically-Oriented Transdisciplinary Information-Analytical Platforms
Get PDFThe process of development of information and communication technologies and the total informatization of the health-care sector led to significant changes to quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medical information, available to broad auditory. This led to the need to create effective informational analytical platforms, that are required to cover vast arrays of polythematical informational resources that are characterized by a high degree of intensity, dynamism and diversity both in terms of content, structure, purpose, and formats, standards and creation technologies. Such platform should be used for finding, organizing and using the information needed by the users, and thus allowing them to process these arrays effectively.
One of the most useful tools for organizing all kinds of knowledge is ontology as a formal representation of some subject area. A system, capable of effective utilization of such formalization with the means of interactive documents is proposed. An example, designed for the effective finding of information based on ontologies is shown