WHO digital health packages for disseminating data standards and data use practices
Olav Poppe, Johan Ivar Sæbø, Jørn Βraa
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyse an initiative from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to facilitate the dissemination of global standards and guidelines through digital health packages, which can strengthen the capacity of countries to monitor the SDGs. Digital health packages include data standards, guidance on data analysis, specifications for analytical dashboards for a specific health area, including a configuration of these standards for a widely used software platform. METHODS: This is a multi-year case study, in which the authors have actively participated in the various aspects of development, implementation and evaluation of the digital health packages initiative. RESULTS: We discuss the key innovations of the digital health package approach: First, the development process, which is based on flexible standards and an integrated approach across health programmes. Second, how the digital health packages combine several related types of standards into one package, including configurations for a widely used software platform supported by strong global and regional technical teams. OUTCOME: This study shows a novel approach to dissemination of standards, through a digital platform. Currently, 40 countries have adopted one or more of the digital health packages in their national health information system.