Digital Technologies In Healthcare Research Articles

Digital proficiency: assessing knowledge, attitudes, and skills in digital transformation, health literacy, and artificial intelligence among university nursing students

BackgroundImplementing digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in education and practice necessitates understanding nursing students’ attitudes and behaviors as end-users toward current and future digital and AI applications.PurposeThis study aimed to assess the perceived knowledge, attitudes, and skills of nursing students regarding digital transformation, as well as their digital health literacy (DHL) and attitudes toward AI. Furthermore, we investigated the potential correlations among these variables.MethodsA descriptive correlational design was employed in a Saudi nursing college utilizing a convenience sample of 266 nursing students. A structured questionnaire consisting of six sections was used, covering personal information, knowledge, skills and attitudes toward digital transformation, digital skills, DHL, and attitudes toward AI. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation were employed for data analysis.ResultsNursing students exhibited good knowledge of and positive attitudes toward digital transformation services. They possessed strong digital skills, and their DHL and positive attitude toward AI were commendable. Overall, the findings indicated significant positive correlations between knowledge of digital transformation services and all the digital variables measured (p = < 0.05). Senior students reported greater digital knowledge and a positive attitude toward AI.ConclusionThe study recommends an innovative undergraduate curriculum that integrates opportunities for hands-on experience with digital healthcare technologies to enhance their digital literacy and skills.

Who is most at risk of digital exclusion within healthcare?

Abstract Introduction There has been a rapid growth in the use of digital technologies in healthcare to improve population health. However, due to digital exclusion (DE) (the unfair differences in motivation, access and use of these technologies), some demographic groups are unable to harness the health benefits of these technologies. Various frameworks have been designed to highlight groups vulnerable to health inequities, but none focus on DE. To provide better support for digitally excluded individuals, we must start by identifying demographic groups most at risk of DE. Aim Review the literature to identify demographic groups most at risk of DE within healthcare. Methods PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus were searched on 22nd October 2022 in a non-systematic way to scope and examine emerging evidence surrounding groups at risk of DE within healthcare. English-language peer-reviewed articles and grey literature (e.g., government reports and regulatory organisation documents) identifying demographic groups at risk of DE and possible factors influencing exclusion were included. Search terms included words associated with DE and health inequity. Data extracted from the included articles included the different demographic groups highlighted and reasons for DE. Results Analysis of twenty-two included articles highlighted six common sociodemographic factors associated with DE that we compiled into six groups. These groups include Culture (ethnicity, language, religion), Limiting conditions (visual and hearing impairments), Education, Age, Residence (rural, deprived areas, homeless), and Socioeconomic status, forming the CLEARS framework. Cultural factors associated with DE included bias in artificial intelligence models used in healthcare technologies, low sensitivity in sensors when used across different ethnic backgrounds, and lack of consideration for different religious groups. Limiting conditions may make it difficult to use the technology, such as reading health information on small screens if visually impaired. Low educational attainment and old age (over 65) were frequently associated with poor digital literacy skills and poor understanding of the benefit of health technologies, thus reducing motivation and use of health technologies. Residential factors centred around barriers to accessing infrastructure to support connectivity (e.g. WiFi) and socioeconomic factors, including financial barriers to compatible devices and connectivity. Individuals who identify with two or more of these groups (intersectionality) are at even greater risk of DE. Conclusion This review identified six groups at risk of DE, the contributing reasons for exclusion, and the role of intersectionality. The CLEARS framework generated from this review can guide researchers and health technology developers in identifying groups that need to be involved in the co-design of digital health technologies to support inclusion. During the development of the CLEARS framework, groups in previous health inequities frameworks, such as the LGBTQ+ community, were considered, but later excluded due to the lack of representation within the literature. However, it is also important to recognise underserved groups are less likely to appear in the literature. Further work is needed to design tailored guidelines to support the development of inclusive digital health technologies that meet the needs of underserved groups.

Innovation in Healthcare Through Information Technologies: A Review

The application of innovative information technologies in healthcare can definitely subside the present limitations of the healthcare industry through better affability and accessibility. It encompasses the use of artificial intelligence, big data, biomedical research including drug invention, medical education, innovative/robotic surgical technology, cutting-edge equipment, telemedicine, virtual consultation, online supportive platforms, etc. The present review is an attempt to identify and analyse the impact of these innovative information technologies and explore the potential scope of improvement in the Indian healthcare system. The database search was performed in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Wiley Online Library. Initially, 319 articles related to innovative digital healthcare technologies have been sourced. However, 105 articles were taken into consideration for the review due to various exclusion criteria. Through an extensive review of previously published articles, the present study concludes that undoubtedly information technologies and their applications aid providers reduce inefficiencies, increasing quality, increasing access, removing human errors, reducing costs and making diagnosis, treatment and medicine more personalised for patients. It has really improved the quality, quick and convenient healthcare system.

Digital Technologies in Health Care: A Comprehensive Review of Current Status and Future Perspectives

The review paper focuses on the most important digital technologies that are used in health care, as well as the difficulties, advantages, and prospective prospects for the future that are linked with the inclusion of digital tools into clinical learning. Within the context of this rapidly evolving digital age, it is of the highest significance for students, medical educators, and training organizations to keep their understanding of the breadth, promise, difficulties, and limitations of digital technologies up to date. Digital health studies aim to realize the promise of digital technologies and understand their feasibility and effects. Through a critical examination of the most famous interdisciplinary digital health publications, this study argues that the digital health field has not really engaged with its main topic, technology. The intricacies of healthcare environments, including different technologies, existing procedures, and people, are ignored in research on digital technologies. The study findings show that health literature focuses on digital technology processing and its effects on digital health research approaches that emphasize technology and context. It claims that digital health's full potential requires multidisciplinary research on healthcare systems, informational demands, and digital technology.

Post-Pandemic Health Communication: Adoption of Digital Technologies in Healthcare by Residents of Mumbai

Digitalization has become an important part of human lives in many fields, ranging from education to healthcare. Digital technologies are one of the priorities in the development of the healthcare sector worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients became more engaged about medical communication and used digital technologies than ever. Health professionals started using more online/digital platforms to provide patients prescriptions and check patients’ reports. This paper is aimed at examining various forms of digital platforms on healthcare, which patients use for consultation with health professionals. This study is an exploratory observational study in which researcher conducted a semi-structured interviewsin Mumbai suburban housing society. The objectives were to understand nature of health communication post pandemic, perception of family about health and which digital platforms they are using? How are igital platforms being helpful in day-to-day life ? The Study found that most respondents still use an online consultation option with their doctors, pharmacy and lab investigation. The reasons for using digital platforms in spite of scope for physical outreach are time, money and energy savings. They visit hospital or doctor’s clinic in emergency or on unavoidable situations. It was also found that some organizations that pay medical benefits to their staff also started collecting medical prescriptions via WhatsApp. The study emphasizes the importance of digital platform, time and health communication in post pandemic world. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the digital platforms and would like to continue in the future. Among all digital platforms “WhatsApp” was most popular and used, which is still getting used in India. The respondents had significant impact by the use of digital platforms. Although some respondents showed concern related to data privacy. This also indicate shift from oral, face to face communication to mediated digital communication in Asian societies.:Digitalization has become an important part of human lives in many fields, ranging from education to healthcare. Digital technologies are one of the priorities in the development of the healthcare sector worldwide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients became more engaged about medical communicationand used digital technologies than ever. Health professionals started using more online/digital platforms to provide patients prescriptions and check patients’ reports. This paper is aimed at examining various forms of digital platforms on healthcare, which patients use for consultation with health professionals. Thisstudy is an exploratory observational study in which researcher conducted a semi-structured interviews in Mumbai suburban housing society. The objectives were to understand nature of health communication post pandemic, perception of family about health and which digital platforms they are using? How are digital platforms being helpful in day-to-day life ? The Study found that most respondents still use an online consultation option with their doctors, pharmacy and lab investigation. Thereasons for using digital platforms in spite of scope for physical outreach are time, money and energy savings. They visit hospital or doctor’s clinic in emergency or on unavoidable situations. It was also found that some organizations thatpay medical benefits to their staff also started collecting medical prescriptions via WhatsApp. The study emphasizes the importance of digital platform, time and health communication in post pandemic world. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the digital platforms and would like to continue in thefuture. Among all digital platforms “WhatsApp” was most popular and used, which is still getting used in India. The respondents had significant impact by the use of digital platforms. Although some respondents showed concern related to data privacy. This also indicate shift from oral, face to face communication to mediated digital communication in Asian societies.:

The Role of Health Institutions in Training Healthcare Personnel for the Digital Transition: The International Training Program of the Order of Physicians and Dentists of Rome

Digital health, encompassing the use of digital technologies in healthcare, and telemedicine, facilitating healthcare delivery across long distances, have witnessed widespread applications across various healthcare domains. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in healthcare, overcoming barriers to access and fostering transitions to new care models. However, healthcare professionals often lack digital health competencies, necessitating targeted training initiatives. This study presents a project initiated by the Order of Physicians and Dentists of Rome, promoting a comprehensive training program in digital health for healthcare professionals. This investigation aims to describe the project, report demographic characteristics of participants, and analyze survey results on participants’ perceptions of the training program. The Erasmus+ project, titled ‘Training of Physician Trainers in Telemedicine, eHealth, and Digital Medicine,’ facilitated the digital transition of the healthcare sector through international training. The project involved structured courses, job-shadowing, and support activities in Malta and Madrid. A survey, developed using the Delphi methodology, assessed participants’ views on telemedicine. Thirty participants, selected based on merit, engaged in the project. Survey responses highlighted a strong impact on participants’ understanding of digital health concepts and increased confidence in utilizing digital tools. Notably, 85% acknowledged significant skill acquisition in healthcare digitalization. The project addressed a critical training gap among healthcare professionals, emphasizing the need for ongoing education in digital health. Despite existing recommendations, formal digital health education remains limited. The study underscores the importance of educational efforts to foster a digitalized healthcare model.

Digital clinical empathy in a live chat: multiple findings from a formative qualitative study and usability tests

BackgroundClinical empathy is considered a crucial element in patient-centered care. The advent of digital technology in healthcare has introduced new dynamics to empathy which needs to be explored in the context of the technology, particularly within the context of written live chats. Given the growing prevalence of written live chats, this study aimed to explore and evaluate techniques of digital clinical empathy within a familial cancer-focused live chat, focusing on how health professionals can (a) understand, (b) communicate, and (c) act upon users’ perspectives and emotional states.MethodsThe study utilized a qualitative approach in two research phases. It examined the expected and implemented techniques and effectiveness of digital clinical empathy in a live chat service, involving semi-structured interviews with health professionals (n = 9), focus group discussions with potential users (n = 42), and two rounds of usability tests between health professionals (n = 9) and users (n = 18). Data were examined using qualitative content analysis.ResultsExpected techniques of digital clinical empathy, as articulated by both users and health professionals, involve reciprocal engagement, timely responses, genuine authenticity, and a balance between professionalism and informality, all while going beyond immediate queries to facilitate informed decision-making. Usability tests confirm these complexities and introduce new challenges, such as balancing timely, authentic responses with effective, personalized information management and carefully framed referrals.ConclusionsThe study reveals that the digital realm adds layers of complexity to the practice of clinical empathy. It underscores the importance of ongoing adaptation and suggests that future developments could benefit from a hybrid model that integrates the strengths of both AI and human health professionals to meet evolving user needs and maintain high-quality, empathetic healthcare interactions.

Challenges Experienced by Saudi Patients With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers in Using Digital Healthcare Technology Platforms in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 has provided a unique boost to the use of digital healthcare technology, putting many vulnerable people at risk of digital exclusion. To promote digital healthcare equity, it is important to identify the challenges that may inhibit cancer patients and family caregivers from benefiting from such technology. This study explored the challenges that cancer patients and family caregivers experience in using digital healthcare technology platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive study using face-to-face semistructured individual interviews was carried out. A purposive sample of 21 participants was recruited from a public cancer hospital in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was utilized. The factors that challenged the ability of participants to benefit from digital healthcare technology were similar. Four themes related to the challenges the two groups experienced emerged: access to platforms, use of platforms for cancer health-related purposes, attitudes toward these platforms, and individual user preferences. This study identified numerous areas for improvement regarding digital healthcare technology platform implementation, which could increase future benefits and equal use. This study's findings also provide useful information to investigators who intend to create digital nursing interventions for both groups amid COVID-19 and other worldwide health crises.

Feeling safe in the context of digitalization in healthcare: a scoping review

BackgroundDigitalization in healthcare and society can be challenging, particularly for people who have limited digital experiences. New digital technologies can influence individuals’ perceived safety and well-being. In this study, we aimed to identify and analyze the literature on needs and influencing factors in the context of emotional and psychological safety and digitalization in healthcare.MethodsA scoping review was conducted based on the PRISMA-ScR standard. The literature was searched based on the databases Medline via PubMed, PsycINFO via Ovid, and CINAHL via EBSCO. Literature was included after a review of the titles, abstracts, and full texts published in English or German in the last 5 years (October 2017–September 2022). Eligible literature included definitions and descriptions of emotional and/or psychological safety and was related to digitalization in healthcare and was analyzed qualitatively via inductive content analysis. The findings were analyzed from ethical, psychosocial, legal, economic, and political perspectives.ResultsA total of 32 publications were finally included thereof qualitative (n = 20), quantitative (n = 3), and mixed methods (n = 2) studies. Other included publications were systematic integrative reviews, scoping reviews, narrative reviews, white papers, and ethical statements. Of these publications, four qualitative studies focused on emotional or psychological safety in the context of digital technology use in healthcare as a primary research aim. Most literature has shown that perceived safety is influenced by perceived changes in healthcare, digital (health) literacy, the design of digital technology, and need orientation. The needs identified in this context overlap strongly with the influencing factors. A low or high perceived safety has an impact on users’ thoughts and actions.ConclusionThe importance of emotional safety in the context of digital technologies in healthcare is growing, while psychological safety seems to be underrepresented. The interaction between the influencing factors and the need to feel safe leads to considerations that can affect user behavior and have far-reaching outcomes for the implementation of digital technology in healthcare.Systematic review registrationOpen Science Framework Registries on 16 December 2022 https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HVYPT.

AI-Enhanced Healthcare: Not a new Paradigm for Informed Consent.

With the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies in healthcare, the ethical debate surrounding their adoption is becoming more prominent. Here I consider the issue of gaining informed patient consent to AI-enhanced care from the vantage point of the United Kingdom's National Health Service setting. I build my discussion around two claims from the World Health Organization: that healthcare services should not be denied to individuals who refuse AI-enhanced care and that there is no precedence to seeking patient consent to AI-enhanced care. I discus U.K. law relating to patient consent and the General Data Protection Regulation to show that current standards relating to patient consent are adequate for AI-enhanced care. I then suggest that in the future it may not be possible to guarantee patient access to non-AI-enhanced healthcare, in a similar way to how we do not offer patients manual alternatives to automated healthcare processes. Throughout my discussion I focus on the issues of patient choice and veracity in the patient-clinician relationship. Finally, I suggest that the best way to protect patients from potential harms associated with the introduction of AI to patient care is not via an overly burdensome patient consent process but via evaluation and regulation of AI technologies.

HCI Pluriversal Framework for Ancestral Medicine App in Bogota: Asset-Based Design Case Study

COVID-19 accelerated digital healthcare technology usage in many countries, such as Colombia, whose digital healthcare vision and projects are proof of this. However, with a significant cultural indigenous and Afro-Colombian heritage, only some parts of the country are willing to follow the proposed digital Western approach to health. Our paper presents the national healthcare system’s digital narrative, which we contrast with the micro-narrative of an Afro-Colombian ethnomedicine unit in Bogota called Kilombo Yumma. This ethnomedical unit is building its mobile app to safeguard and represent its ancestral medicine practices in local and national healthcare information systems. Kilombo Yumma is keen on promoting their beliefs and practices, which have been passed on through oral traditions and currently exist in the hands of a few elderly. We unraveled their ambition, core beliefs, and practices through asset-based design. These assets outlined pluriversal and decolonizing forms of digital healthcare to increase social justice and connect Western and ancestral medicine digital opportunities through HCI.

TECHNOLOGY-SPECIFIC AGEISM AS A PREDICTOR OF NOT OFFERING TECHNOLOGY-BASED PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Incorporating digital technologies in healthcare can potentially improve the quality and accessibility of older persons’ care. However, ageist attitudes among healthcare professionals can lead to discrimination in treatment decisions and deprive older patients of technology-based treatment. This study explores whether technology-specific ageism influenced physiotherapists’ decisions to use technology-based healthcare with older patients. Seventy-eight physiotherapists in Luxembourg filled out an online survey. Technology-specific ageism was measured by the Attitudes Towards Older Adults Using Technology (ATOAUT-11) scale. Additional measures included the Expectations Regarding Aging scale, attitudes towards technology use in the work environment, and whether physiotherapists had not offered technology-based treatment in the past because of a patient’s age. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported that they had not offered technology-based treatment to a patient in the past because of the patient’s older age. Importantly, using logistic regression, it was found that higher levels of technology-specific ageism predicted not offering technology-based treatment, such that participants with more negative attitudes (1 standard deviation) were two times more likely not to offer treatment. Positive attitudes toward using technology in the work environment were also found to be a significant predictor. All other characteristics (gender, age, work experience, and percentage of patients over 50) did not predict not offering treatment. This study provides initial evidence that technology-specific ageism may lead to discrimination and deprive older persons of receiving optimal treatment. More research is needed to identify the magnitude of ageism in using technology-based treatment in healthcare and develop interventions to mitigate it.

NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: FACTORS INFLUENCING PATIENT PORTAL ADOPTION BY OLDER ADULTS DURING THE PANDEMIC

Abstract The pandemic rapidly accelerated the adoption of digital healthcare technologies, including patient portals. The patient portals enhance patient-provider communication, streamline medical records management, and provides tailored education materials. Nevertheless, older patients, known as heavy healthcare users, often encounter challenges when adopting patient portals. This digital divide could lead to worsening health and healthcare disparities. Guided by the Senior Technology Acceptance and Adoption Model (STAM), this study explored the factors influencing the adoption of patient portals by older adults during the pandemic. We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews in 2021 with 31 older adults aged 60 or older with healthcare needs. Interviews were thematically coded and analyzed using constant comparative methods. The STAM proposes an orderly phase of technology acceptance among older adults, comprising three phases: 1) objectification, 2) incorporation, and 3) conversion. Our findings showed that some older patients felt compelled to use patient portals during the pandemic, bypassing the objectification phase, which is crucial for building an intention to use the new technology. Older patients who lack a strong intention to use patient portals tended to report challenges in the incorporation phase, rather than focusing on the usefulness of patient portals. From the interviews, we identified three overarching themes: 1) perceived concerns or limited benefits, 2) aging-related and system-related barriers, and 3) limited training opportunities. These themes could pose obstacles to the adoption of patient portals during the conversion phase. The findings of this study suggest areas for improvement to increase the adoption of patient portals among older patients.

Use of a diagnostic decision support tool in memory clinic daily practice – The DAILY feasibility study

AbstractBackgroundTo optimally serve increasing numbers of memory clinic patients through a timely and adequate diagnosis, digital health technologies offer a unique potential. Diagnostic decision support systems (DDSS) can aid clinicians in diagnostics and patient communication, but such tools are not widely used in daily practice. We assessed the feasibility of a DDSS prototype consisting of four modules (Figure 1): (1) web‐based cognitive test tool (cCOG); (2) automated MRI‐quantification (cMRI); (3) AI‐based classifier (cDSI); (4) diagnostic report page, providing an easy‐to‐understand overview of all information for clinicians and patients.MethodWe conducted the DAILY feasibility study in five Dutch memory clinics, including 11 clinicians (internal medicine/geriatricians(n = 5), neurologists(n = 2), residents(n = 3), nurse practitioner(n = 1), mean age 38±7y, 11±6y experience), and 43 patients(7 subjective complaints, 19 mild cognitive impairment, 14 dementia, 3 postponed diagnosis, mean age 73±11y), and their care partners(n = 28, 65±11y). Clinicians received instructions to integrate the tool into routine care. Feasibility, usability, and satisfaction were assessed using questionnaires (clinicians, patients, care partners) and interviews (clinicians).ResultClinicians reported using the tool in 34/43(80%) patients. Their overall satisfaction with the tool was acceptable (median 70(IQR 50‐80), scale 0‐100). Out of the four modules, the diagnostic report was most often used (in 70% of patients) and rated as useful by 89% of clinicians, with 70% indicating it contributed to more efficient patient communication. Patients and care partners evaluated the diagnostic report as understandable and helpful. In the interviews, clinicians were predominantly positive regarding the diagnostic report, indicating that it helped create an overview for themselves and their patients. Widely varying opinions indicated that (time‐efficient) use of the complete tool demands more education and practice to obtain the proficiency level needed to adequately integrate the tool into routine practice.ConclusionThe lasting adoption of digital technologies in healthcare is challenging, and efficient and user‐friendly tools are needed. In this study, clinicians, patients, and care partners valued an automatically‐generated, comprehensible report summarizing individual test results. Implementing such a digital report page could contribute to improved patient communication and, ultimately, better care management. Furthermore, our results identified an educational need regarding the use of digital tools.

Цифровая эволюция в сфере здравоохранения: тенденции и правовое регулирование цифро-визации первичной медико-санитарной помощи в Российской Федерации (аналитический обзор).

Relevance. Digital evolution in the field of healthcare brings significant changes to the provision of primary health care in the Russian Federation. This process requires a comprehensive analysis and adequate legal regulation in order to ensure the effective implementation of innovative technologies, protection of the rights of patients and medical workers. The purpose of the study: is to analyze the current trends in the digitalization of primary health care in the Russian Federation and the existing legal regulation of the digitalization process in the field of primary health care in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: the review is based on publications on the selected topic in the PubMed and eLibrary databases (n = 56), consideration of Russian regulatory legal acts related to digitalization in healthcare, including PHC, as well as the study of domestic and international experience in this field. Results. The study revealed the main trends and prospects for the development of digitalization of primary health care in the Russian Federation. The analysis of publicly available publications made it possible to identify the main regulatory legal acts that regulate the process of digital transformation in the Russian Federation, including the PHC area. The technologies and services actively implemented in the state healthcare system were studied, and it was revealed that the active dissemination of information via the Internet creates the need to improve the mechanisms for protecting the confidentiality of patients’ medical data. It was also found that in the context of the rapid development of digital technologies in healthcare, various aspects of legal regulation need to be reviewed, including organization, liability measures, guarantees and control. These conclusions emphasize the need for further analysis and improvement of legal regulation in this area to ensure effective and secure digital transformation in the field of primary health care in Russia. Conclusion. Digital transformation of healthcare is an integral part of the modernization of the Russian healthcare system and requires a comprehensive and balanced approach, taking into account all possible risks and benefits. It is worth emphasizing the need to work out effective legal regulation mechanisms to minimize possible risks and ensure maximum safety and efficiency of the digital transformation process in the Russian healthcare sector. The scope of the results. The results of the study can be used to improve legislation in the Russian Federation in the field of digitalization of healthcare, including primary health care, as well as to develop strategies and mechanisms for effective implementation of digital technologies in this area.

SA52 Clinical Impact of Using Digital Healthcare Technology to Manage Diabetes in Adolescents.: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

SA52 Clinical Impact of Using Digital Healthcare Technology to Manage Diabetes in Adolescents.: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Emerging Digital Technologies in Healthcare with a Spotlight on Cybersecurity: A Narrative Review

Emerging digital technologies, such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Medical Things, blockchain, and visual and augmented reality, have revolutionized the delivery of and access to healthcare services. Such technologies allow for real-time health monitoring, disease diagnosis, chronic disease management, outbreak surveillance, and rehabilitation. They help personalize treatment plans, identify trends, contribute to drug development, and enhance public health management. While emerging digital technologies have numerous benefits, they may also introduce new risks and vulnerabilities that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive healthcare information. This review article discussed, in brief, the key emerging digital technologies in the health sector and the unique threats introduced by these technologies. We also highlighted the risks relevant to digital health cybersecurity, such as data breaches, medical device vulnerabilities, phishing, insider and third-party risks, and ransomware attacks. We suggest that the cybersecurity framework should include developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, conducting regular risk assessments, implementing strong access control, encrypting data, educating staff, implementing secure network segmentation, backing up data regularly, monitoring and detecting anomalies, establishing an incident response plan, sharing threat intelligence, and auditing third-party vendors.

Nursing students’ attitudes towards the use of digital technology in the healthcare of older adults- a cross-sectional study in Norway and Sweden

BackgroundImplementation of digital technology has been suggested as a potential solution to future healthcare challenges. Healthcare personnel’s attitudes are important in the acceptance and implementation of digital technologies.AimThe aims of this study were to (1) translate and validate two different questionnaires to Norwegian and Swedish respectively, and then (2) use these to examine nursing students’ attitudes towards digital technology in healthcare, as well as their attitudes towards older adults’ abilities to use digital technology.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was distributed in first year nursing students in a Norwegian and a Swedish university college, respectively. The questionnaire consisted of the short form of the ‘Information Technology Attitude Scales for Health (ITASH)’ and the ‘Attitudes Towards Older Adults Using Digital technology (ATOAUT-11)’ questionnaire. The questionnaires were translated and validated in both countries. Frequencies, Student’s t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data.ResultsIn total 236 students responded to the questionnaire in the period September 2022 to April 2023. Students mainly reported positive attitudes towards digital technology use in general. They most agreed with the items ‘Using digital technology devices makes my communication with other health professionals faster’, ‘The sort of information I can get from the digital technology devices helps me give better care to patient’, and ‘Digital technology skills are becoming more and more necessary for healthcare professionals’. However, they reported more negative attitudes towards older adults using digital technology. They most agreed with the items ‘One needs a lot of patience to explain to an older adult how to use digital technologies’, ‘It’s hard to explain to older adults how to use digital technology’, ‘Using digital technology is harder for most older adults’, and ‘Most older adults fear using digital technology because they fear of being scammed or cheated’.ConclusionThe ITASH and the ATOAUT-11 is appropriate for use in a Norwegian and Swedish setting. Even if nursing students are positive to digital technology in healthcare in general, they are sceptical to older adults using digital technology. This may impact on their attitudes to using digital technology in the healthcare of older adults. These aspects need emphasis when revising nursing education curricula focusing on developing technological competencies in nursing, and gaining knowledge regarding older adults’ use of digital technology.

Identity resilience in the digital health ecosystem: A key recovery-enabled framework

In response to the evolving landscape of digital technology in healthcare, this study addresses the multifaceted challenges pertaining to identity and data privacy. The core of our key recovery-enabled framework revolves around the establishment of a robust identity verification system, leveraging the World Wide Web Consortium(W3C) standard for verifiable credentials(VC) and a test blockchain network. The approach leverages cryptographic proofs embedded within credentials issued by various entities to securely validate the legitimacy of identities. To ensure standardized identity establishment, the roles and responsibilities of entities align with the UK digital identity and attribute trust framework, resulting in a cohesive verification process. Embracing self-sovereign identity (SSI), encrypted credentials are stored within the owner’s device, empowering individuals with data control while prioritizing privacy and security. Furthermore, the work introduces an algorithm that places paramount importance on owner-centricity, trustworthiness, and privacy-aware handling of SSI credentials, subjected to threat modeling through the Owasp Dragon tool. A key recovery algorithm, a key component of our Recovery-Enabled Framework, empowers users to regain credentials using a trustee-based recovery system with a memorized PIN, eliminating the need for third-party reliance. Furthermore, a trust score, a crucial component of the framework, assesses the conformity of verified credentials with stated standards, boosting trust in established identities. Leveraging the modularity of Hyperledger Fabric, the work utilizes smart contracts to impose context-aware attribute-based policies, ensuring controlled access, traceability, and auditability, consequently strengthening security. Through comprehensive development, refinement, and rigorous testing, the prototype emerges as a potent tool for enhancing security within the Digital Health Ecosystem. It equips organizations with the means to navigate this digital landscape while inspiring trust among stakeholders, significantly contributing to the resilience of identity in the digital health ecosystem.

INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DISEASE DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and significantly impacting clinical care and treatment. Machine learning and deep learning, as core digital AI technologies, are being extensively applied to support diagnosis and treatment. With the progress of digital health-care technologies such as AI, bioprinting, robotics, and nanotechnology, the health-care landscape is transforming. Digitization in health-care offers various opportunities, including reducing human error rates, improving clinical outcomes, and monitoring longitudinal data. AI techniques, ranging from learning algorithms to deep learning, play a critical role in several health-care domains, such as the development of new health-care systems, improvement of patient information and records, and treatment of various ailments. AI has emerged as a powerful scientific tool, capable of processing and analyzing vast amounts of data to support decision-making. Numerous studies have demonstrated that AI can perform on par with or outperform humans in crucial medical tasks, including disease detection. However, despite its potential to revolutionize health care, ethical considerations must be carefully addressed before implementing AI systems and making informed decisions about their usage. Researchers have utilized various AI-based approaches, including deep and machine learning models, to identify diseases that require early diagnosis, such as skin, liver, heart, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Consequently, related work presents different methods for disease diagnosis along with their respective levels of accuracy, including the Boltzmann machine, K nearest neighbor, support vector machine, decision tree, logistic regression, fuzzy logic, and artificial neural network. While AI holds immense promise, it is likely to take decades before it completely replaces humans in various medical operations.