Uppsala Workshop: How do we simplify the introduction of digital products in healthcare?

The in-march of digital technology is now bringing with it a steady stream of digital products and services that can simplify, enhance and streamline healthcare for both patient and caregiver. However, it is not always easy for caregivers or patients to know what products are available and which are effective and safe.

Companies developing digital products also face a challenge: the demands made on their products and services are not always entirely clear. The question, therefore, is how can we simplify and improve the introduction of digital solutions?

National framework aims to simplify
On May 22, key figures in digitalisation and e-Health gathered at a workshop in Uppsala organised by SKL (the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions) within the project ‘Ordered Introduction of Digital Products and Services’. Its purpose was to discuss how best to introduce new digital products today and to consider how to make this easier by, for example, developing proposals to create a national framework and process.

Positive response from many
“That so many of the region’s and local government’s representatives involved with digitalisation and e-Health had the opportunity to participate was very valuable for the project,” says Uppsala BIO’s Erik Olaisson.

“We found strong support for a national unified process and received a great positive response,” commented Liv Fries, who led the workshop discussions. “We also received the responses we sought in order that the final proposal shall meet our exact needs.

First proposal presented this autumn
Further workshops (in Region Norrbotten) and key stakeholder meetings are being conducted in June to anchor proposals and gather more input to further strengthen the basis of the project. An initial proposal for a model will be presented for decision after the summer.

The project has no agenda of its own during the Almedal Political Week in Visby, but the many programs about eHealth and digitalisation will be closely monitored.

International interest
The project recently received international attention when it was presented at HIMSS 2018 in Barcelona by project leader Karina Tellinger McNeil. See the interview here.

In addition to SKL, Uppsala BIO, Stockholm Science City and Region Norrbotten are included in the Ordered Introduction of Digital Products and Services project group.