What measures can New Zealand deploy to enhance its performance concerning the digital determinants of health?
New Zealand faces significant challenges in achieving health equity, particularly for Māori children and those from low socio-economic areas. There are several measures that we can deploy to enhance performance concerning the digital determinants of health.
The National Child Health Information Platform (NCHIP) has demonstrated initial success in improving equity in basic health-care provision for children. The platform collates child demographic information and health-care milestones, resulting in a statistically significant improvement in indicators such as GP enrolment and immunisation rates, especially in Māori communities. Further expansion and optimisation of such integrated platforms can bridge the gap in health-care service delivery.
The rapid digital transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant gaps in digital access. Measures should focus on improving digital literacy, broadband access, and affordability of digital technologies. Investments in modernising digital infrastructure are essential to support equitable access to digital health services.
Collecting and analysing data on digital determinants of health can provide insights into the impact of digital health services. Developing a comprehensive framework to measure digital health equity, can guide the design and implementation of digital health interventions.
Telehealth can also significantly enhance healthcare access for remote and underserved populations. During the pandemic, telehealth encounters increased dramatically, providing a model for ongoing expansion. Policies should support the integration of telehealth into the regular healthcare system, ensuring it is accessible and affordable for all.
Collaboration between government, healthcare providers, technology developers, and community organisations is essential to develop collaborative frameworks. Regular assessment of digital health technologies’ impact on health disparities is necessary. Frameworks such as RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) can be adapted to evaluate and refine digital health interventions continuously, ensuring they meet equity goals.
By focusing on these measures, New Zealand can enhance its performance in addressing the digital determinants of health, ensuring more equitable healthcare access and outcomes for all its citizens.