Perception of digital health in the Baltic Sea Region: insights of experts from nine countries

BACKGROUND: Digital health has the potential to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care. However, its adoption in the countries of the Baltic Sea Region varies considerably. In order to improve the diffusion and speed of adoption of this innovation, it is necessary to know the barriers and enablers that improve or hinder the implementation of digital health. METHODS: Based on an international workshop, we conducted guided interviews with 15 experts from 9 countries in the Baltic Sea Region to determine their perceptions of the use of the innovation, barriers to its adoption and enablers. RESULTS: Structural factors such as national income or population density are perceived as less relevant. Instead, cultural values such as future orientation, risk-taking and trust are described as the most important factors in explaining the different rates of adoption between countries in the Baltic Sea Region. Important barriers to rapid adoption of digital health are also federal structures with a high degree of autonomy for regions, as well as a rather strict interpretation of data protection laws. Some interviewees emphasised the role of individuals who make digital health “their child”. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of digital health depends less on economic conditions than on the commitment of policy makers to make it happen. Future developments, in particular artificial intelligence in healthcare, will require an even deeper penetration of digital health, which calls for urgent strategies to overcome the barriers to digital health.