The meeting focused on the question of how digital health applications in primary care can contribute to better access to healthcare and it reducing health inequalities. Drawing on various disciplines and practical experiences, the opportunities offered by digital innovations were explored, as well as the risks and preconditions that require attention when implementing them in diverse healthcare contexts.
The substantive programme consisted of three contributions. Steven van de Vijver (Amsterdam Institute of Technology) highlighted the opportunities and pitfalls of digital tools in reducing inequality in healthcare, with a particular focus on context, scalability and existing social and digital barriers. Sarah Altamirano (Civic AI Lab) addressed the use of artificial intelligence for digital health applications and discussed how AI can contribute to more equitable and inclusive healthcare, provided that ethical and social considerations are explicitly taken into account. Finally, Amrish Baidjoe and Jakub Hein from Doctors Without Borders Examples of digital innovations in the field of health promotion, based on experiences from humanitarian and low-income contexts.
There was ample opportunity for interaction and exchange between speakers and participants. Discussions focused on topics such as the applicability of digital solutions in general practice, the role of technology in decision-making, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare professionals, technology experts, researchers and policymakers. The webinar emphasised that digital health can be an important tool for future-proof primary care, provided it is developed and deployed with an eye for accessibility, fairness and context.
This webinar was part of the activities of NSGH working groups supported by KCGH, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and multidisciplinary collaboration within the Dutch and international global health field.
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