Digital literacy is defined as the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create and communicate information. This requires both technical skills to operate digital platforms, devices and applications as well as cognitive skills to understand and analyze the information generated.
Sarah Wamala Andersson, professor of Health Technology and Welfare at Mälardalen University in Sweden, said: “Around 40% of European citizens have poor digital health literacy, which means they cannot adequately use digital health technology to address their health problems.” Health thought leader. Wamala Andersson is one of the researchers of the EU project Improving Digital Empowerment for Active Healthy Lives (IDEAHL) which aims to develop and test new models and approaches for sustainable development. digital health literacy cards.
What interventions do we need to improve digital health literacy?
The outcome of the IDEAHL project is the EU Digital Health Literacy Strategy. The strategy identifies specific measures needed at the micro, meso and macro levels. Key recommendations include including topics of media literacy and information gathering in the elementary school curriculum at the micro level. These types of micro-level programs will lead to the translation of strategies into action. In addition to nurturing digital health literacy in basic education, collaboration between families, schools and other educational institutions is also encouraged. At the macro level, each country should create a centralized platform that is scientifically validated by each country’s competent authority to ensure people can access comprehensive health resources. and trustworthy, including articles, videos, interactive tools, and forums for discussion and community support.
Digital health literacy is a determinant of health
In Europe, digital transformation in healthcare is lagging behind other industries. According to WHO, only one in two countries in Europe and central Aisa has a digital health literacy policy, meaning millions of people are being left behind. With the increasing use of technology for data collection, care coordination, telemedicine and more, it is essential to ensure that digital accessibility – or its absence they – do not increase the gap between healthy and sick people.
“I can imagine that good health will be the best thing for many people in the world, as AI and digital solutions make it possible for people to live and enjoy a healthy life,” says Wamala Andersson. stronger”. “Enhancing digital health literacy will therefore become a natural part of long-term learning initiatives, where governments will see the design and investment in policies and Interventions to improve digital health literacy among citizens, healthcare professionals and decisions are inevitable and beneficial.” inventor.”
Sarah Wamala Andersson is one of the speakers at the HIMSS 2024 European Medical Conference & Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 29-31 May 2024 in Rome. Learn more and register.
