Digital Technologies Research Articles

Leveraging digital platforms to improve Public Health in hospital smart buildings

Abstract The integration of digital platforms into hospital infrastructure represents a significant leap forward in public health management. This session explores how smart hospital buildings, equipped with advanced digital technologies, can enhance public health outcomes through more effective disease surveillance, improved environmental controls and enhanced patient care management. Smart hospital buildings utilize a range of new technologies such as IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics and big data solutions to monitor and optimize various aspects of hospital operations and care. These technologies enable real-time data collection on environmental conditions, patient health metrics and resource utilization, creating an ecosystem that not only supports the immediate health needs of patients but also contributes to broader public health goals. The session will address four key areas where digital platforms can make an impact: -Disease Surveillance and Management: Digital tools can track health data trends and patterns within hospital settings, enabling early detection of infectious outbreaks and more precise tracking of patient outcomes. -Environmental Monitoring: IoT sensors can continuously assess conditions such as air quality, temperature and humidity, which are critical for preventing hospital-acquired infections and ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff. -Resource Optimization: AI algorithms can analyse data to optimize resource allocation, ensuring that medical supplies and human resources are used efficiently, which is crucial in health emergencies. -Patient-Centred Care: Digital platforms can facilitate personalized patient care through real-time health monitoring and data analysis, ensuring timely medical interventions and better health management. This session will highlight case studies demonstrating successful implementation of digital technologies in smart hospital buildings and discuss the challenges and lessons learned from these initiatives.

Defining digital health literacy profiles in Spanish adults: a latent class analysis

Abstract Background According to different reports, Spain is among the European countries that use digital health technologies the most. However, to develop inclusive and fair digital health services, there is the need to feature digital health knowledge, skills, confidence, and a positive attitude about their significance. This work aims to draw a picture of digital health literacy levels in Spain. Methods A stratified sample of the Spanish population regarding gender, age group and area of residence was used. Participants were recruited from an online panel and by direct approach to balance quotas. Between May 2021- May 2022, participants filled a self-administered online survey, including the Spanish version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Results Digital health literacy showed similar mean scores, between 2.6-2.7 out of 5 with similar SD on each of the 7 dimensions of the eHLQ. The highest scores were related to knowledge about filling data in digital health services and knowledge about health and how the body works, and feelings about the usefulness of digital technology for health. In contrast, lower scores were related to sharing health information by technology, thinking that using technology gives access to better health services, and the possibility to contact usual health professionals with technology. Latent profile analysis identified 5 user profiles. Significant differences were found according to age, inhabitants per municipality, technology use, self-perceived health status, educational level, socioeconomic index and eHEALS scores; not by gender. Conclusions As the scores are similar in the different subscales, competencies, attitudes and confidence in digital health that they measure are balanced. However, the main challenge appears in granting users access to digital services that work, which involves the definition and monitoring of strategies until the final implementation. Key messages • Digital Health literacy in Spain differs according to different aspects, not only age, educational or socioeconomic level. • Confidence in usefulness is a common denominator among the five digital health service user profiles identified.

Digital health divide and digital technologies for treating substance-related disorders in Argentina

Abstract Argentina is a country located in the South American region with more than 45 million inhabitants. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses, over 92% of the population lives in urban areas. Additionally, 47% households do not have access to computers, and 12% lack availability of the internet. The present case study demonstrates the effects of the digital divide regarding the use and access to digital technologies in patients who underwent virtual treatment for substance-related disorders in a mental health service in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. This treatment modality included virtual consultation with a psychologist and WhatsApp groups for mutual support. The data obtained is part of a larger research project aimed at evaluating access to digital healthcare treatment, quality of life and patient satisfaction with the use of digital tools for treating substance-related disorders. Participants were adults between 25 and 60 years. The majority of the patients who were surveyed presented cognitive impairment and unemployment status. Those who completed secondary school (79%), stated that virtual consultation was easy to conduct (83%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (63%). On the other hand, participants who only reached primary school (21%) declared that virtual consultation was easy to do (71%) and WhatsApp group texting information for mutual support was very difficult to comprehend for participating actively (87%). Concerning access, 78% of participants answered that they have difficulties with the availability of digital devices (i.e., smartphones, computers, or tablets), internet connectivity and privacy at home or work for undergoing digital treatment.

The use of digital technologies to promote sexual health in young adults: a narrative review

Abstract Background New technologies have the potential to play an important role in promoting sexual health, especially among young people, who are the biggest users and those at greatest risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). The risk behavior assumed by young people today highlights this vulnerability in several contexts, such as individual, social, economic, and family. In this sense, it becomes relevant to approach sex education in schools using digital technologies. Objectives To identify the evidence in the literature on the use of digital technologies to promote the sexual health of young adults. Methods Narrative literature review. Three independent reviewers extracted, analyzed and synthesized the articles and results. Results Through the selection process, four studies were included. The articles show that the use of digital technologies (mobile phones/applications) leads to increased knowledge, improved attitudes and sexual behavior among young adults. The interventions studied in the studies were based on Short Message Service, electronic mail interventions and the MyPEEPS mobile application, with the following main focuses: Increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of young adults. Considering the results of the studies, all interventions proved to be effective as facilitators of sexual health promotion. Conclusions The use of digital technologies allowed an increase in the promotion of the sexual health of the participants, since there was an increase in the level of knowledge with the use of digital technologies such as SMS, emails and mobile applications when comparing the experimental and control groups. The use of these digital technologies also allowed for a change in attitudes and behaviors, such as a significant increase in serological testing for STIs and an increase in health care seeking. Key messages • The use of digital technology promotes the sexual health of young adults, so these strategies should be implemented by health professionals. • The dissemination of these digital strategies will have an impact on Public Health, specifically regarding the sexual health of young adults.

Digital Technology, Green Innovation, and High-Quality Economic Development: Mechanism Analysis and Empirical Evidence

Digital Technology, Green Innovation, and High-Quality Economic Development: Mechanism Analysis and Empirical Evidence

The formation of the idea of patient agency at the institute of medicine

This article is devoted to the topic of patient agency. The aim of this work is to consider the process of formation of the idea of patient agency at the Institute of Medicine. The author of this article, starting the consideration with the concept of the «patient role», authored by the famous American sociologist T. Parsons, shows the trend observed since the second half of the 20th century to move away from the paternalistic model of the «doctor-patient» relationship that was dominant at that time. The article examines the works of such modern researchers as A. Bock. E. Deffos, P.S. Sorokin, A.V. Zykova et al. It is noted that interest in the issue of agency in general and in the agency of patients in particular has increased during the coronavirus pandemic. The emergence of patient agency in recent years has also been facilitated by digital technologies, which began to be used in medicine thanks to the so-called «digital revolution», which, according to researchers, the pandemic has only accelerated. For example, telemedicine and various websites where patients can find the necessary information have begun to actively develop. At the same time, the very concept of agency today does not have an established meaning in scientific circles; there are heated discussions around this concept; the topic of patient agency is promising for research and needs further study.

Real-Time Monitoring of Visitor Carrying Capacity in Crowded Historic Streets Through Digital Technologies

This paper addresses methodological issues related to the identification and monitoring of visitor overcrowding and congestion situations in historic centres. Once the visitor carrying capacity was estimated for public spaces, taking into consideration the standards of quality and comfort for visitor experience and those related to the desired conditions for heritage assets’ conservation, digital real-time monitoring tools were implemented in an experimental urban area in Valencia, Spain, in order to know, through the establishment of proxemic triggers, when the standards were violated (or may soon be violated); then, the carrying capacity was exceeded, and management actions may be required. The results show that these digital monitoring tools are very efficient and accurate in micro-scale public spaces, user-friendly and affordably priced.

Digital Public Health and Digital Health: twins or Neighbors? A data protection perspective

Abstract Enhancing digital public health (DiPH) terminology may foster a better understanding of the legal framework that grounds the use of personal health data within and outside public health policy and public health systems. Terminology accuracy is, therefore, relevant to understanding the data protection regulations that apply to DiPH interventions. The broader or narrower possibilities for using personal health data in digital health interventions depend on the legal basis that justifies (or not) the access to personal health data, whether inside public health policy or outside (e.g., in private health companies). In the context of digital health policy for DiPH, using personal health data is based on public law, analyzing proportionality, necessity, and the legitimacy of the interest. In contrast, for digital health interventions outside public health policy or in an individual clinical approach (like in digital health), the use of personal health data is based on informed consent. Brazilian data protection law (LGPD) and European GDPR provide the legal basis for public health systems’ use of health data in health policy. As a result, the DiPH approach highlights the relevance of using digital technologies and health data to strengthen public health systems within the platform economy and the context of surveillance capitalism. This presentation will shed light on the expansion of digital technologies and health data in health policy in the face of data science, highlighting the need to delve into the terminology of DiPH, understanding its boundaries and legal differences from its neighbors (not twins) outside health policy. Clarifying the DiPH approach, potentially leading to standards in terminology and embedding a data protection perspective, may maximize the accuracy of the legal justification for personal health data use in health policies. DiPH, therefore, may foster data protection, public health systems, and policies strengthening with health data.

Effect of technological culture and knowledge sharing on organizational performance: The mediating role of digital innovation and self-efficacy as moderation

In the era of IR4.0, environmental dynamism and satisfying customer needs through digital innovations have evolved across IT industries. This article attempts to examine the effect of technological culture (TC) and knowledge sharing (KS) on digital innovation (DI), organizational performance (OP), and the moderating effect of self-efficacy (SE) on the link between TC, KS, and DI. This study evaluates a novel conceptual framework utilizing survey data from 270 samples of IT firms’ employees in Bangladesh and analyzing it employing the PLS-SEM approach. The findings indicate that knowledge sharing and technological culture have a significant impact on DI and DI also significantly mediates the relationship between operational, financial, and employee performance. The findings suggest businesses recognize the chance of developing digital technologies and the digitalization trend in IT sectors by being devoted to embracing new technological cultures and upgrading their knowledge exchange to become innovation leaders and increase OP. This study describes how new digital technologies and knowledge sharing may be exploited to produce innovative digital creative digital solutions’ innovative products and services which ultimately increase their OP, where the managers of the IT organizations can apply this knowledge in respected fields.

Enhance physical, mental and academic wellbeing of pupils in Germany through digital health literacy

Abstract Background Digital health literacy (DHL) involves the ability to find, understand, appraise, and apply health information from digital sources. It serves as the foundation for informed decision-making about one’s health and well-being using digital technology and online health information sources and services. Despite its significance, the role of DHL in relation to schoolchildren’s wellbeing remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how schoolchildren’s DHL influences their physical, mental, and academic well-being. Methods The cross-sectional survey comprised a representative sample of N = 1448 school-aged children (9-18 years) living in Germany. DHL was assessed via a translated and adapted version of the DHL instrument. The assessment of physical, mental, and academic well-being relied on the KINDL questionnaire. Linear regression analyses were conducted, with the scale score of physical, mental, and academic well-being serving as dependent variables and DHL as predictor. Additionally, potential confounding variables such as sex, age, migration background, subjective family wealth, chronic illness, and subjective health status were included in the analyses. Results All three regression models were significant (physical: F(9,1325) = 34.99, p < .001; R2 = 0.19; mental: F(9,1320) = 27.43, p < .001; R2 = 0.16; academic: F(9,1336) = 15.19, p < .001; R2 = 0.09). DHL significantly predicted physical (B=.08, p=.01), mental (B=.17, p<.001), and academic (B=.21, p<.001) wellbeing. Conclusions This study provides the first evidence of the predictive power of DHL for schoolchildren’s physical, mental, and academic well-being. It emphasizes the importance of promoting DHL in schoolchildren to empower them to find, understand, appraise, and apply digital health information effectively. Key messages • Digital health literacy significantly predicts schoolchildren’s physical, mental, and academic well-being. • Promoting digital health literacy can empower schoolchildren to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Introduction to the digital health divide

Abstract This presentation will introduce the concept of digital health divide. It refers to inequalities in accessing and using digital technologies, leading to digital exclusion. Digital inclusion is defined by the United Nations as “equitable, meaningful, and safe access to use, lead, and design of digital technologies, services, and associated opportunities for everyone, everywhere”. Indeed, digitalisation is a worldwide phenomenon that permeates all levels of determinants of health inequities, leading to several populations being more adversely affected. Age, gender, education, and economic status are significant determinants amplifying the digital divide’s impact, with older individuals, women, less educated individuals, and economically disadvantaged populations bearing disproportionate effects. The relationship between the digital divide and health leading to the digital health divide can be direct and indirect. Here, access to the latest advancements in health technologies used along the health span (eHealth, mHealth) - from health prevention to patient care - can directly influence the user’s health. However, the lack of access to or use of existing technologies can also indirectly affect their well-being. A globally informative example of this indirect association is the lack of internet access in rural areas during the hard COVID-19 lockdowns, leading to the loss of a school year for many pupils. Indeed, school attendance and attainment are associated with better physical and mental health. Currently, there is a lack of operationalisation of the digital health divide, making it difficult to measure it accurately. The absence of a standardised evaluation and therefore evidence-based information hinders governments and organizations’ efforts to effectively address digital health divide.

Digital Health in Croatia: Key stakeholders’ perspective of societal and institutional readiness

Abstract Background According to the literature, digital health brings an innovative approach to healthcare and an inevitable transformation and disruption. The potential of digital technologies is far-reaching, from preventive medicine to addressing public health challenges. However, the implementation also significantly depends on the social & cultural context. Methods To research Croatia’s expectations, challenges, and readiness for implementing digital health, interviews were conducted with physicians, patients, hospital managers, policymakers, jurists, and engineers (n = 75). Following identifying key themes, a survey was conducted among Croatian medical students (n = 775) at the end of 2022. Results Key stakeholders believe implementation preparedness is demonstrated through institutional and societal readiness. Prominent characteristics of societal readiness include appropriate infrastructure and legal and financial frameworks. Societal readiness is assessed through digital and health literacy and existing social practices within Croatian society. Only 4.6% of medical students believe Croatia’s healthcare system is ready to implement digital technologies. They perceive the highest readiness regarding digital education (63.7%) and the digital literacy of physicians (60.9%) while negatively evaluating healthcare infrastructure, financial resources, and patient literacy. The results highlight numerous aspects that must be addressed for successful implementation, many of which have been neglected in previous periods. Conclusions The research identifies critical aspects of the social context and presents valuable implications for the digital health transformation. Key stakeholders assess that institutional and societal readiness is not at the level required for the sustainable implementation of digital health, thus necessitating specific actions, ranging from governmental bodies and international organisations to the health system, education system, and media. Key messages • It’s crucial to align digital health implementation with the social & cultural context and capabilities. • The prerequisites for successful implementation necessitate engagement across various societal domains beyond the healthcare system.

Digital technology adoption among smallholder farmers in Vietnam: Implications for digital agricultural extension strategies

AbstractThis study explores the adoption of digital technology among smallholders in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. Data were gathered by doing a survey of 455 farmers analysed by descriptive analysis and a Poisson Regression model. Key knowledge gaps include an incomplete understanding of farmers' digital technology adoption and insufficient empirical evidence supporting potential determinants in smallholders' digital adoption. Findings indicate active use of digital tools in agriculture, with factors such as education, farm size, digital experience, knowledge exchange frequency, access to digital information and internet costs positively influencing adoption. The study advocates for tailored training and targeted interventions to enhance adoption rates.

Digital health spaces in the city of Lisbon. The role of digitalization in linking boundaryless hospitals and smart health cities

Abstract Digital transformation is reshaping every aspect of society, including healthcare. The concepts of ‘Boundaryless Hospitals’ (BH) and ‘Smart Health Cities’ (SHC) represent a forward-thinking approach to healthcare that leverages digital technologies to enhance service delivery, operational efficiency and patient outcomes, including healthy mobility. This session delves into the complex role of digitalization in creating interconnected health and spatial environments where the flow of data and resources across physical and virtual barriers is optimized. BH embody a healthcare model where digital tools, health information systems and AI-powered diagnostics are integrated to provide care that transcends traditional hospital walls into the city. This approach not only facilitates greater accessibility and flexibility in patient care but also enhances the capacity for healthcare providers to offer personalized and timely interventions, embracing public health altogether. SHC integrates health technology into urban planning and public health services to create ecosystems that actively contribute to the health and wellbeing of their populations. Using big data analytics, IoT and other digital infrastructures, these cities support sustainable health practices, disease prevention, and efficient crisis response, promoting an overall healthier populace. This session will explore how digital health spaces can bridge the gap between these concepts. Discussions will focus on public health challenges and opportunities, examining the case of the city of Lisbon on how digital platforms can facilitate interactions between healthcare providers, patients, and urban environments. Best practices from pioneering projects around the globe will be highlighted. Participants will engage in comprehensive analyses of Lisbon case that demonstrate successful integration of digital health technologies in various contexts, contributing to the resilience and adaptability of healthcare infrastructures.

Digital development and rural financial inclusion: Evidence from China

Digital technology has profoundly influenced the development of the financial sector and is of great importance to financial inclusion. This paper employs sub-provincial panel data from 2005 to 2019 to analyse the impact mechanisms of digital economy development on rural finance, exploring the impact of digitalization and overall digital literacy on rural finance. Our findings verify that digitalization has a positive contribution to rural finance, while digital literacy has a significant inhibitory effect on rural finance. This still holds after a series of robustness tests. Subsequent mechanism analysis reveals that digital technology benefits rural finance by optimizing industrial structure and promoting technological progress, while digital literacy accelerates urbanization, leading to the loss of rural labor and thus inhibiting rural finance. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the role of the digital economy in rural inclusive finance is more pronounced in the eastern and central regions. Additionally, higher levels of human capital, economic development, entrepreneurship, and digitalization will further enhance the impact of the digital economy on rural inclusive finance. This study offers a new pathway for the realization of financial inclusion and a theoretical reference for financial development in rural areas. Our empirical analysis also provides new perspectives and insights for the formulation of policies and measures to coordinate the development of various elements of digital finance and cope with the impact of the digital economy on rural finance.

Same term, but unequal understanding: differences in digital public health intervention features

Abstract Digital technologies have transformed healthcare delivery and public health, with many countries integrating interventions such as online consultations, electronic health records, and telemedicine to improve population health and healthcare accessibility. Multinational assessments for benchmarking system maturity ask for the degree of implementation of such tools. However, are these interventions as comparable as they claim to be? This talk presents a qualitative analysis of 179 digital public health (DiPH) interventions described in scientific articles. We categorized interventions based on their implementation stages, public health functions, and reported and non-technical features. Telemedicine, health apps, and electronic health record interventions dominated the diverse landscape. While these technology groups already differed greatly in their functions, we identified equally significant differences in the reported intervention characteristics within the groups. For example, telemedicine was not only used in healthcare settings for patients and health professionals but also in primary prevention and research for researchers, policymakers, and healthy individuals. Different interventions reported varying functions, such as remote monitoring, self-monitoring, alarm systems, patient motivation, and user empowerment modules. So, is there one common telemedical intervention? No. Instead, all individual technologies differed to varying degrees. The analysis underscored the diversity of DiPH interventions among and within intervention groups and highlighted the importance of precise terminology for effective planning and evaluation. Instead of using broad classifications like ‘telemedicine,’ interventions should be defined and communicated based on specific technological functions, non-technical characteristics, use cases, and user groups. This approach will promote cross-disciplinary collaboration and foster international comparability across DiPH systems.

5.B. Round table: Improving digital health literacy in the era of generative artificial intelligence

Abstract Improved access to generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms and technologies has prompted greater awareness of their potential application in health communication. This workshop will examine this potential alongside the practical challenges and risks of using generative AI in health communication in the broader context of the European Union AI Act. The workshop will explore the implications for the concept of digital health literacy in ways that reduce or mitigate existing digital health inequities across and within Europe. Chatbots and conversational AI platforms such as ChatGPT have opened opportunities for people to find, understand and use health information in significantly different ways. Public health professionals are already using these technologies to simplify health and medical information and to make it available in different languages. AI assisted technologies are also being used to create interactive and engaging learning experiences that provide the public with real-time feedback and insights about their health as well as prompting and reinforcing actions they can take to improve health. These developments have fundamental implications for our understanding of digital health literacy and the methods we use to support people in optimising the potential benefits of AI. Different communities in Europe vary considerably in their - access to digital technology, - skills to discriminate the accuracy and reliability of information, and - trust and responsiveness to what digital technologies have to offer. Building these fundamental digital health literacy skills is a critical priority if we are to ensure that all people benefit equitably from the potential offered by AI. Those of us engaged in improving health literacy have an important role to play in influencing the future direction of AI in health communication, including and especially by engaging in research and development activities that build evidence of effectiveness and support the development of digital health literacy skills in parallel with the expansion of access to AI-assisted digital technologies. The workshop chairs will provide introductory and summary remarks, moderate the panel discussion, and facilitate audience participation in the workshop. The individual panel members will make 3-minute introductions to key issues from different perspectives on the emerging practical applications of generative AI in health communication as well as the implications for strategies to improve digital health literacy in different population groups. The panel is made up of individuals in different roles and at different career stages who can offer complementary perspectives on these issues. Following the presentations, the co-chair will present some follow-up questions to the Panel before engaging directly with the workshop attendees for an open but structured discussion scheduled to last for 30 minutes of the Workshop. Key messages • We will examine how generative artificial intelligence has opened new both new opportunities and risks in the ways people find, understand and use health information. • We will consider how we can optimise the benefits of generative AI in a way that is equitable through the development of digital health literacy within and between communities in Europe. Speakers/panelists Catherine Jenkins London South Bank University, London, UK Diane Levin-Zamir Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Christopher Le Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Innlandet, Norway Miguel Telo de Arriaga Direção-Geral da Saúde, Lisbon, Portugal

Trustworthiness of EHRs: Key Factors from a User-Centered Study in Germany

Abstract Background The integration of digital technologies, particularly Electronic Health Records (EHRs), promises substantial improvements in patient care and cost reductions. However, the success of EHRs depends heavily on patient trust and usage, which are influenced by their control over data visibility, storage, and sharing. Identifying the factors that enhance the perceived trustworthiness of EHRs is essential for increasing their reliability and acceptance in healthcare settings. Methods Participants (N = 30) first interacted with an interactive EHR prototype, then evaluated its trustworthiness and suggested improvements during semi-structured interviews. These interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes affecting perceptions of the EHR’s trustworthiness. Results Through thematic analysis, we developed a categorical system encompassing five principal themes: provider reputation, information quality, system characteristics, user control, and user feedback. The analysis revealed that deficiencies in design and usability indirectly affect perceptions of privacy and data security. Conclusions Our study underscores the critical role of contextual factors-including provider reputation, strategic IT partnerships, and user feedback-in cultivating trust in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Addressing privacy concerns and bolstering user trust necessitates not only a professional approach to design and usability but also clear communication about adherence to rigorous data privacy and security standards. In Germany’s tightly regulated environment, clearly communicating EHR security standards is crucial. Enhancing trust also involves robust customer support, user control over their data, and leveraging social proof like high download rates or positive reviews. These approaches could significantly improve EHR acceptance and trust in digital health across the country. Key messages • The perceived trustworthiness of EHRs is essential for increasing their reliability and acceptance in healthcare settings. • Effective communication and design are critical for building trust in digital health technologies. Trust in EHRs grows with transparent data policies and empowering user controls.

Applications of artificial intelligence in digital pathology for gastric cancer

Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in worldwide. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a positive outcome. The integration of artificial intelligence in the pathology field is increasingly widespread, including histopathological images analysis. In recent years, the application of digital pathology technology emerged as a potential solution to enhance the understanding and management of gastric cancer. Through sophisticated image analysis algorithms, artificial intelligence technologies facilitate the accuracy and sensitivity of gastric cancer diagnosis and treatment and personalized therapeutic strategies. This review aims to evaluate the current landscape and future potential of artificial intelligence in transforming gastric cancer pathology, so as to provide ideas for future research.

How much digital public health is taught in German public health programs? A qualitative analysis

Abstract Background Digital public health (DiPH) professionals are crucial for a successful digital transformation in social and health care. However, the extent to which academic professionals are taught DiPH-related content in their public health studies in Germany remains unclear. Methods We used a systematic module handbook analysis to assess accredited full-time public health-oriented degree programs at German Universities for DiPH-related modules. Programs were identified through the Hochschulkompass platform and among the German Public Health Association member programs. We used MAXQDA for the content analysis of the included module handbooks. Results We identified 79 public health programs. Of these, 10 Bachelor’s and 6 Master’s offered at least one DiPH module, all being highly heterogeneous in their overall addressed public health subfields. Regarding DiPH, 6 programs lectured on the ethics of digitalizing health and data protection, 5 programs each offered modules on DiPH in health policy, on data science in healthcare and software used for eHealth, or on the digital determinants of health. 4 programs each included modules on digital health promotion and alternative evaluation methods. 3 programs each addressed digital science communication and health technology assessment. Finally, 2 programs had modules on digital epidemiology. We found differences between the common understanding of DiPH in academia and the content in the module handbooks. The content identified in the analysis focused mainly on technical areas. Social and health science content was only marginally present. Conclusions The diverse DiPH study programs allow academic public health specialists in Germany to develop specific profiles. There is a need for further development of modules with relevance to the respective degree program to achieve comprehensive competencies in DiPH. We encourage the uptake of our analysis to develop a core curriculum in DiPH among European public health programs. Key messages • Digitalization affects all areas of life, including healthcare systems and public health. Preparing the future workforce already during their training is crucial to enable them to lead the change. • German public health programs are not fit to prepare students for their professions. Developing DiPH curricula with pre-defined and updated competencies will strengthen programs in Germany and beyond.