The international practices of digital health: Theoretical and applied aspects
Subject. The article focuses on the digital health across countries. Objectives. I examine theoretical and applied aspects of the digital health in the leading countries of Western Europe and Russia. Methods. Analyzing the current situation, I refer to regulatory and legislative documents on the digital economy and digital health, official statistics. Research is based on the comparative analysis of key medical-demographic and socio-economic indicators, and economic and mathematical apparatus. Results. The study represents a comprehensive evaluation of theoretical and applied aspects of the digital health development at the macro- and mesolevels. For this, I gradually compare countries, narrowing the focus down to regional trends. The article describes key patterns and specifics of using digital health technologies successfully in Western Europe. I evaluate the digital health development in Russia, pointing out advantages and possible risks that may arise if modern technologies are integrated in real-life healthcare practices. They should be considered when digital health programs are prepared for Russia. Conclusions and Relevance. Conducting the digital transformation of healthcare, governments should not stick to statutory benchmarks, but rather strive to the genuine efficiency of ICT to preserve and strengthen the national health. The findings can be used to prepare regional medical-demographic documents, including those concerning high-tech medical aid.