scholarly journals A digital health profile & maturity assessment toolkit: cocreation and testing in the Pacific Islands

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siaw-Teng Liaw ◽  
Rui Zhou ◽  
Sameera Ansari ◽  
Jun Gao
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Islands ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Health Profile ◽  
Capability Maturity ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Cognitive Overload

Abstract Introduction Countries need to determine their level of digital health capability maturity to assess and mobilize their knowledge, skills, and resources to systematically develop, implement, evaluate, scale up and maintain large-scale implementations of standards-based interoperable digital health tools. Objective Develop a Digital Health Profile and Maturity Assessment Toolkit (DHPMAT) to assist Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to harness digital tools to support national health priorities. Materials and Methods A literature review guided the development of the conceptual framework to underpin the DHPMAT. Key informants collaborated to collect key digital health features and indicators to inform their country’s digital health maturity assessment. The DHPMAT was tested with country stakeholders at a Pacific Health Information Network workshop in 2019. Results A comprehensive list of indicators to describe country digital health profiles (DHP). A digital health maturity assessment tool that uses criteria codeveloped with country stakeholders to assess essential digital health foundations and quality improvement. DHPs created and maturity assessed and packaged into individualized DHPMATs for 13 PICs. PIC users perceived the DHPMAT as useful, especially the congruence with the 2017 WHO WPRO Regional Strategy but noted a “cognitive overload” from a plethora of complex digital health toolkits. Conclusions The cocreation approach optimized currency, accuracy, and appropriateness of information in the DHP, understanding, and use of the DHPMAT to facilitate informed iterative discussion by PICs on their digital health maturity to harness digital tools to strengthen country health systems. The DHPMAT can rationalize the choice and use of existing tools and reduce cognitive overload.

scholarly journals A Holistic Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment Framework for Higher Education Institutions in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3660
Author(s):  
Aliyu Aliyu ◽  
Leandros Maglaras ◽  
Ying He ◽  
Iryna Yevseyeva ◽  
Eerke Boiten ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Assessment Framework ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Maturity Models ◽  
Capability Maturity ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Maturity Assessment

As organisations are vulnerable to cyberattacks, their protection becomes a significant issue. Capability Maturity Models can enable organisations to benchmark current maturity levels against best practices. Although many maturity models have been already proposed in the literature, a need for models that integrate several regulations exists. This article presents a light, web-based model that can be used as a cybersecurity assessment tool for Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) of the United Kingdom. The novel Holistic Cybersecurity Maturity Assessment Framework incorporates all security regulations, privacy regulations, and best practices that HEIs must be compliant to, and can be used as a self assessment or a cybersecurity audit tool.

scholarly journals A tale of ‘politics and stars aligning’: analysing the sustainability of scaled up digital tools for front-line health workers in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (Suppl 5) ◽  
pp. e005041
Author(s):  
Neha S Singh ◽  
Kerry Scott ◽  
Asha George ◽  
Amnesty Elizabeth LeFevre ◽  
Rajani Ved
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
State Government ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Government Procurement ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Data Governance

IntroductionIndia has become a lighthouse for large-scale digital innovation in the health sector, particularly for front-line health workers (FLHWs). However, among scaled digital health solutions, ensuring sustainability remains elusive. This study explores the factors underpinning scale-up of digital health solutions for FLHWs in India, and the potential implications of these factors for sustainability.MethodsWe assessed five FLHW digital tools scaled at the national and/or state level in India. We conducted in-depth interviews with implementers, technology and technical partners (n=11); senior government stakeholders (n=5); funders (n=1) and evaluators/academics (n=3). Emergent themes were grouped according to a broader framework that considered the (1) digital solution; (2) actors; (3) processes and (4) context.ResultsThe scale-up of digital solutions was facilitated by their perceived value, bounded adaptability, support from government champions, cultivation of networks, sustained leadership and formative research to support fit with the context and population. However, once scaled, embedding digital health solutions into the fabric of the health system was hampered by challenges related to transitioning management and ownership to government partners; overcoming government procurement hurdles; and establishing committed funding streams in government budgets. Strong data governance, continued engagement with FLHWs and building a robust evidence base, while identified in the literature as critical for sustainability, did not feature strongly among respondents. Sustainability may be less elusive once there is more consensus around the roles played between national and state government actors, implementing and technical partners and donors.ConclusionThe use of digital tools by FLHWs offers much promise for improving service delivery and health outcomes in India. However, the pathway to sustainability is bespoke to each programme and should be planned from the outset by investing in people, relationships and service delivery adjustments to navigate the challenges involved given the dynamic nature of digital tools in complex health systems.

scholarly journals The Role of Digital Maturity Assessment in Technology Interventions with Industrial Internet Playground

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1134
Author(s):  
Annabeth Aagaard ◽  
Mirko Presser ◽  
Tom Collins ◽  
Michail Beliatis ◽  
Anita Krogsøe Skou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Digital Interventions ◽  
Maturity Assessment ◽  
Industrial Internet ◽  
Digital Development ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
The Impact

The use of digital technologies such as Internet of Things and advanced data analytics are central in digitally transforming manufacturing companies towards Industry 4.0. Success cases are frequently reported, and there is clear evidence of technology interventions conducted by industry. However, measuring the impact and effect of such interventions on digital maturity and on the organizational adoption can be challenging. Therefore, the research aim of this paper is to explore how the combination of the different methods of Industrial Internet Playground (IIP) pilots, Shadow Infrastructure (SI) and digital maturity assessment can assist in conducting and documenting the technical, as well as organisational, impact of digital interventions. Through an elaborate literature review of existing digital maturity assessment tools and key dimensions in digital transformation, we have developed a digital maturity assessment tool (DMAT), which is presented and applied in the paper to identify digital development areas and to evaluate and document the effects of digital interventions. Thus, the paper contributes with new knowledge of how the IIP pilot and SI combined with digital maturity assessment can support effective, transparent and documented digital transformation throughout an organisation, as explored through theory and a practice case.

scholarly journals Digitally-enabled approach to improving primary care in a rural and remote low-resource setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ansell
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Rural And Remote ◽  
Low Resource Settings ◽  
Digital Platform ◽  
Low Resource ◽  
Out Of Pocket Payments

Abstract Introduction An innovative digitally-supported multi-sectoral solution for supporting end-to-end primary care for rural and remote low-income populations in Western Visayas, Philippines was examined to determine its efficacy in supporting health access. This solution brings together multisectoral stakeholders using a digital platform to coordinate the provision of a virtual primary care system. The solution also supports ordering and delivery of low-cost insurance and medicines, with the aim of reducing out-of-pocket payments and complementing public-sector services. Methods Processes and outputs for a novel data-driven digital health solution were documented and analyzed through a mixed methods approach. Researchers conducted interviews with a range of stakeholders, including program beneficiaries and partners. Quantitative data focusing on the project outputs were also examined. Results Through an integrated digital platform to coordinate inputs from the public sector (Department of Health); private sector (pharmaceutical, insurance, and telecom firms); and community (in the form of a peer-worker network), this model offers an example of an innovative approach to primary health delivery in low-resource settings. These inputs are leveraged and informed by a 'big-data' precision approach, based on detailed epidemiological profiles of community residents. This dataset allows for the evidence-based identification of village-specific health priorities and development of corresponding interventions. This approach has contributed to increased access to medicines; affordability of medicines and health services; and community resilience among the target populations. However, barriers involving a local shortage of health human resources and cumbersome eHealth regulations affect program impact. Conclusions This research provides evidence for the scale-up of a multisectoral digital approach to support the implementation of UHC targets in Philippines. Key messages Implementing digital health solutions in low-resource settings is possible. Changes are needed in Philippines health regulations for digital health to properly support UHC implementation.

scholarly journals Sustainability of the integrated chronic disease management model at primary care clinics in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozayr H. Mahomed ◽  
Shaidah Asmall ◽  
Anna Voce
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Health Care Clinics ◽  
Clinical Support ◽  
Supportive Management

Background: An integrated chronic disease management (ICDM) model consisting of four components (facility reorganisation, clinical supportive management, assisted self-supportive management and strengthening of support systems and structures outside the facility) has been implemented across 42 primary health care clinics in South Africa with a view to improve the operational efficiency and patient clinical outcomes.Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the sustainability of the facility reorganisation and clinical support components 18 months after the initiation.Setting: The study was conducted at 37 of the initiating clinics across three districts in three provinces of South Africa.Methods: The National Health Service (NHS) Institute for Innovation and Improvement Sustainability Model (SM) self-assessment tool was used to assess sustainability.Results: Bushbuckridge had the highest mean sustainability score of 71.79 (95% CI: 63.70–79.89) followed by West Rand Health District (70.25 (95% CI: 63.96–76.53)) and Dr Kenneth Kaunda District (66.50 (95% CI: 55.17–77.83)). Four facilities (11%) had an overall sustainability score of less than 55.Conclusion: The less than optimal involvement of clinical leadership (doctors), negative staff behaviour towards the ICDM, adaptability or flexibility of the model to adapt to external factors and infrastructure limitation have the potential to negatively affect the sustainability and scale-up of the model.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Implementation Process of the Mobile Health Platform ‘WelTel’ in Six Sites in East Africa and Canada Using the Modified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samia El Joueidi ◽  
Kevin Bardosh ◽  
Richard Musoke ◽  
Binyam Tilahun ◽  
Maryam Abo Moslim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Research ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
User Friendliness ◽  
Domain 3 ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Background: Health systems globally are investing in integrating secure messaging platforms for virtual care in clinical practice. Implementation science is essential for adoption, scale-up, spread and maintenance of complex evidence-based solutions in clinics with evolving priorities. In response, the mHealth Research Group modified the existing Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR) to evaluate implementation of virtual health tools in clinical settings. WelTel® is an evidence-based digital health platform widely deployed in various geographical and health contexts. Objectives: To identify the facilitators and barriers for implementing WelTel and to assess the application of the mCFIR tool in facilitating focus groups in different geographical and health settings. Methodology: Both qualitative and semi-quantitative approaches were employed. Six mCFIR sessions were held in three countries with 51 key stakeholders surveyed. The mCFIR tool consists of 5 Domains and 25 Constructs and was built and distributed through Qualtrics XM. “Performance ” and “Importance” scores were valued on a scale of 0 to 10 (Mean + SD). Descriptive analysis was conducted using R computing software. NVivo 12 Pro software was used to analyze mCFIR responses and to generate themes from the participants’ input. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the focus group facilitators to understand their experience using the mCFIR tool. Results: We observed a parallel trend in the scores for Importance and Performance. Of the five Domains, Domain 4 (End-user Characteristics) and Domain 3 (Inner Settings) scored highest in Importance (8.9 + 0.5 and 8.6 + 0.6, respectively) and Performance (7.6 + 0.7 and 7.2 + 1.3, respectively) for all sites. Domain 2 (Outer Setting) scored the lowest in both Importance and Performance for all sites (7.6 + 0.4 and 5.6 + 1.8). Areas of strengths included timely diagnosis, immediate response, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, and simplicity. Areas for improvement included training, phone accessibility, health authority’s engagement, and literacy. Conclusion: The mCFIR tool allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation, reach, and scale-up of digital health tools. Participants emphasized the importance of creating partnerships with external organizations and health authorities in order to achieve sustainability and scalability.Trial Registration: NCT02603536 – November 11, 2015NCT01549457 – March 9, 2012

Metric Based Security Assessment

2008 ◽  
pp. 1396-1415
Author(s):  
James E. Goldman ◽  
Vaughn R. Christie
Keyword(s):  
Information Security ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Security Assessment ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Security Metrics ◽  
Capability Maturity ◽  
Security Models ◽  
Organization's Information Security ◽  
Systems Security Engineering

This chapter introduces the Metrics Based Security Assessment (MBSA) as a means of measuring an organization’s information security maturity. It argues that the historical (i.e., first through third generations) approaches used to assess/ensure system security are not effective and thereby combines the strengths of two industry proven information security models, the ISO 17799 Standard and the Systems Security Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SSE-CMM), to overcome their inherent weaknesses. Furthermore, the authors trust that the use of information security metrics will enable information security practitioners to measure their information security efforts in a more consistent, reliable, and timely manner. Such a solution will allow a more reliable qualitative measurement of the return achieved through given information security investments. Ultimately, the MBSA will allow professionals an additional, more robust self-assessment tool in answering management questions similar to: “How secure are we?”

scholarly journals Digital Coaching Strategies to Facilitate Behavioral Change in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bradley D Gershkowitz ◽  
Conor J Hillert ◽  
Bradley H Crotty
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Evidence Synthesis ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Health Coaching ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Coaching Strategies

Abstract Context In this systematic review, we focus on the clinical impact of digital tools for providing health coaching, education, and facilitating behavior in patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Our approach was designed to provide insights for clinicians and health care systems that are considering adopting such digital tools. Evidence Acquisition We searched the CINAHL, Scopus, and Ovid/MEDLINE databases using PRISMA guidelines for studies that reported digital coaching strategies for management and prevention of type 2 diabetes published from January 2014 to June 2019. Articles were reviewed by 2 independent blinded reviewers. Twenty-one articles met inclusion criteria. Evidence Synthesis We found that 20 of 21 studies in our analysis showed statistically significant improvements in at least one measure of diabetes control including HbA1c, weight loss, fasting blood glucose, and BMI. Studies that reported weight loss percentage from baseline at 1 year reported values ranging from −3.04% to −8.98%, similar to outcomes with traditional coaching in the Diabetes Prevention Program (N = 4). Additionally, all studies that included a comparison group of in-person or telephone-based coaching showed statistically better or similar outcomes in the digital coaching group (N = 5). Conclusions The evidence reported in this systematic review suggests that digital health coaching offers a promising strategy for long-term management and prevention of type 2 diabetes in diverse populations with similar benefits to in-person or telephone-based health coaching. We argue that, with the potential to treat large numbers of individuals in diverse geographic locations, digital coaching offers a promising solution to the rapid increase in diabetes prevalence.

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