Building Digital Health Competencies in Developing Countries

In the context of this book, digital health competency refers to “the use of information and communications technology in support of health and health-related fields” (WHO, 2019). The concept of digital health may appear overwhelming upon first glance. Numerous health care services as well as providers employ classic paper-based systems for information, and taking up technology is not within the possibilities and expertise of several health systems. Initiating with digital health, nevertheless, is similar to implementing any novel program, often with more questions than answers. To begin, especially for practitioners with limited or no background with technology, comes “What can digital health really do?” The correct answers may not always be technology, yet if it is, an abundance of informed decisions must be taken. Various of these decisions center around trade-offs, and even though no “right” answer really exists, some options have greater context-relevance and are more feasible than others when considering developing countries. Taking up a participatory angle to developing the envisioned digital tool with end users is paramount. Empowering health care professionals to try out a concept or model a situation with the potential digital health tool to potentially outphase their current systems can shine light on key insights. It is then possible to fine tune top ideas into even better answers with the added perspective of those who will be affected.

Sara D. Garduño-Diaz has a background in nutrition with a PhD in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom; she has further specialized in Sports Nutrition with the International Olympics Committee, Switzerland. Dr Garduño-Diaz has worked as Research Fellow for several EU-funded research projects and was awarded research grants from CONACYT (Mexico) and the BBSRC (UK). She currently consults for various startups in Europe and the US in the areas of Nutrition and Product Development. Dr Garduño-Diaz sits on the editorial board of various international journals, including the Journal of Obesity and Weight Management, E Cronicon Nutrition, Research in Health Science, and Insights in Nutrition and Dietetics. She is the author of over 50 peer-reviewed publications and 10 books. Her research interests include the dietary patterns of migrant populations and their impact on health, as well as investigating the environmental factors that influence food selection.Dr. Garduño-Diaz is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Overseas Dietetics Association, Professionals in Nutrition for Exercise & Sport, and the World Public Health Nutrition Association, for whom she is a member of the executive committee.With over 15 years of experience in the field of nutrition, and having lived and worked in various continents, Dr Garduño-Diaz’s approach to food is one of integrating strategies to design individual programs based on her client’s wellness needs. Dr Garduño-Diaz advocates for real food and the art of eating.