Armenia became an independent state after breakdown of the Soviet Union in 1991. After considerable derangements in the first independence decade, the country's healthcare system has seen some progress recently in terms of improving existing and developing new services, diversification of financing, with the introduction of public benefits, private domain and health insurance. The Information and Communication Technologies sector is one of the country's most dynamically developing and competitive industries. Despite that, Armenia has had modest achievements in eHealth and telemedicine so far. Centralized eHealth policy, administration and infrastructure are as yet absent, Health Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools and applications are very slowly making their way into mainstream healthcare practices, and there are few regular telemedicine activities. Some revival of the field in the recent years is primarily related to consistent efforts by the authorities to develop eHealth, and the emergence of the national professional organization – Armenian Association of Telemedicine (AATM).
Digital technology for health services plays a critical role in the delivery of health services. In order to move towards universal healthcare, improvement of patient outcomes and better health, one must make use of the advantages of Digital Health tools and recognition of the role of the health ICT worker. Therefore, it is necessary to have a workforce that is competent to use these tools. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare and information technology, the domain of Digital Health builds on a variety of disciplines termed biomedical and health informatics, and other allied fields. With the increasing need to have a knowledgeable, skilled and competent workforce, it is necessary to concentrate efforts towards the provision of education modules in Digital Health. While continuing medical education, certificate courses and other similar courses attempt to bridge the gap in the delivery of Digital Health education, it is also paramount to establish dedicated and standalone courses. Streamlining approaches to Digital Health Education across disciplinary, cultural and national boundaries, is key to address the challenges of firmly embedding Digital Health courses in the fabric of university education. In the effort to provide the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies (KSCs) to the current health ICT worker, the Deggendorf Institute of Technology, European Campus Rottal-Inn (DIT-ECRI) is in the process of piloting a virtual course in Global Digital Health. With the ability to provide core competencies in Digital heath, this virtual course is a step towards advancing Global Digital Health Education.
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