Demonstrating the value of digital health: Guidance on contextual evidence gathering for companies in different stages of maturity. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halminen, Olli; Chen, An; Tenhunen, Henni; Lillrank, Paul
• Is Part Of: Health services management research. Volume 34:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 20
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: Information technology -- implementation -- innovations -- evaluation -- evidence based medicine; Public health administration -- Research -- Periodicals; Public health administration -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Research -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; 362.1072
• DOI: 10.1177/0951484820971447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-4848

Abstract

Application of value-based healthcare policies affects all actors in social and health care field, including the Digital Health Intervention (DHI) providers aiming to enter the industry or expand their market. Apparent lack of fit between evidence and expectations inhibits the growth of DHI companies. The companies need efficient and credible methods to access and demonstrate the value of their DHIs. Building on the stage-of-maturity logic presented in World Health Organization's (WHO) guide of monitoring and evaluating digital health interventions and Context-Intervention-Mechanism-Outcome (CIMO) logic, we provide a potential approach for DHI companies to assess the evidence needed in their current situation. The proposed approach takes into account the company's future development goals and the business environment, reflecting for every stage of technology maturity according to the WHO guidelines and through the CIMO lens. The focus is on specific intervention and its fit for different organizational and national contexts. The solution guides the research process of the company to understand which evidence-gathering topics should be addressed. This evidence can be beneficial for companies to enter into, occupy, expand or sustain in the domestic or international market.