Advancing digital technologies in healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed the pace and scope of digital technology (DIT) use in healthcare. It has facilitated health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment of secondary health concerns, patient engagement, monitoring treatment adherence, and surveillance. COVID-19-related large databases and medical and public health research have been shared freely and rapidly. Continued adoption of technology can lead to better and faster diagnosis of health conditions and accelerate the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, many barriers still remain. Key issues are high costs, lack of interoperability of technology, frequent need for software updates, training and development, concerns about privacy, technological disruption, and network coverage issues. Greater involvement of end users in the development and rollout of new digital technologies is needed to ensure faster and deeper implementation of technology in healthcare as uneven implementation can exacerbate the divide between the haves and the have-nots.