From Pandemic to Heatwave: Digital Strategies for Health Resilience

Abstract

Abstract Heatwaves threaten public health in the EU, as evidenced by the high heat-related mortality in the summer of 2022. Despite their frequency, European heat-health action plans (HHAPs) largely exclude digital solutions. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted perceptions and use of digital health tools, demonstrating their effectiveness in responding to health crises and providing insights for heatwave management. This work explores the potential of further including digital health interventions into European HHAPs. The objective is to identify adaptable digital strategies to mitigate heatwave health impacts. We started by analyzing WHO’s guidance on the creation of HHAPs, as well as the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies’ assessment of the four main areas supported by digital health tools during the pandemic. Later, we proposed four main areas where digital health solutions could be efficiently integrated. Each area underwent a rapid literature review to identify digital solutions used during COVID-19, followed by a critical analysis for applicability in heat-health action planning. We identified four areas where the implementation of digital tools should be explored: Communication and Information Dissemination (focusing on raising awareness among vulnerable groups, caregivers, and organizations); Modeling and Forecasting (developing precise forecasts for proactive planning); Health services coordination (among services delivering immediate care during heatwaves); Monitoring and Population Surveillance (implementing strategies to identify and mitigate heat-related risks e.g. among vulnerable populations). Results indicate that digital health solutions from COVID-19 can enhance national HHAPs. Tools for pandemic prevention and response are applicable to extreme weather events. The pandemic’s increased digital usage resulted from policy changes and infrastructure investment - leveraging these advancements could prepare Europe for extreme heat threats. Key messages • Results indicate that digital health solutions from COVID-19 can enhance national HHAPs. Tools for pandemic prevention and response are applicable to extreme weather events. • The pandemic’s increased digital usage resulted from policy changes and infrastructure investment - leveraging these advancements could prepare Europe for extreme heat threats.