The Management Perspective in Digital Health Literature: Systematic Review

Abstract

Background New digital health technologies are considered one solution to challenges in the health sector, which include rising numbers of chronic diseases and increased health spending. As digitalization in health care is still in its infancy, there are many unanswered questions about the impact of digital health on management. Objective This paper assesses the current state of knowledge in the field of digital health from a management perspective. It highlights research gaps within this field to determine future research opportunities. Methods A systematic review of digital health literature was conducted using 3 databases. The chosen articles (N=38) were classified according to a taxonomy developed for the purpose, and research gaps were identified based on the topic areas discussed. Results The literature review revealed a slight prevalence of practical (n=21, 55%) over theoretical (n=17, 45%) approaches. Most of the papers (n=23, 61%) deal with information technology (IT) and are, therefore, focused more on technology and less on management. The research question in most of the papers (n=31, 82%) deals with the creation of concepts, and very few (n=4, 11%) evaluate or even question existing solutions. Most consider the main reason for digitalization to be the optimization of operational processes (n=26, 68%), and 42% (n=16) deal with new business models. The topic area discussed most frequently was found to be eHealth (n=30, 79%). By contrast, the field of tech health with topics such as sensors receives the least attention (n=3, 8%), despite its significant potential for health care processes and strategy. Conclusions Three main research propositions were identified. First, research into digital health innovation should not focus solely on the technology aspects but also on its implications for strategic and operational management. Second, the research community should target other domains besides eHealth. Third, we observed a lack of quantitative research on the real impact of digital health on organizations and their management. More quantitative evidence is required regarding the expected outcome and impact of the implementation of digital health solutions into our health care organizations.

Digital nursing practice theory: A scoping review and thematic analysis

“…Secondly, one of the fundamental principles of ANT is the general symmetrical treatment of different entities involved in the process, rejecting dualism and any form of determinism. This seems a useful approach in digital health (nursing) context, where often focus in placed on technology (Angerer et al, 2022), without examining what artefacts make humans do well, or what agency is given to objects by humans. Adopting an ANT lens, it is believed that any actant (human and non‐human) can generate agency depending on how they are associated in the network (Latour, 2005) For example, non‐human entities' agency is conceded by humans, who activate them.…”

“…in digital health (nursing) context, where often focus in placed on technology(Angerer et al, 2022), without examining what artefacts make humans do well, or what agency is given to objects by humans. Adopting an ANT lens, it is believed that any actant (human and non-human) can generate agency depending on how they are associated in the network(Latour, 2005) For example, non-human entities' agency is conceded by humans, who activate them.…”

Developing Health Management Competency for Digital Health Transformation: Protocol for a Qualitative Study

“…The health care system is experiencing a period of rapid and radical change. From a global perspective, the aging population, an escalating burden of chronic disease and pandemics, and increasing community expectations are all placing growing demands on health care services [4]. As a response, innovative service models have been adopted for the delivery of high-quality care to meet this burgeoning need and to improve the efficiency, value, and safety of health service provision [5].…”