Digital health for the benefit of the entire population

In this project, researchers developed a national policy roadmap showing how Switzerland can establish responsible digital health. Over three phases, the researchers analysed the potential of the Swiss innovation system, examined political and regulatory developments and derived concrete steering instruments for decision-makers.

The digital transformation is rapidly changing medicine. The effects are promising, but still fraught with uncertainties that need to be analysed in order to manage innovation responsibly and effectively. This requires sound governance that balances the needs of patients, developers, healthcare professionals and payers.

The aim of the project was to make a tangible and practical contribution for the responsible use of digital innovations in the field of health. To this end, the researchers developed a policy roadmap for digital health innovations in Switzerland.

Political decision-makers need to manage digital health and medical AI responsibly. This requires evidence-based principles, concrete tools and a roadmap that takes into account the key challenges and needs of all stakeholders involved in healthcare innovation.

Thanks to discussions with numerous stakeholders from various sectors of digital health, the research team was able to identify the key challenges for responsible digital health innovation in Switzerland. The following insights were gained:

• Cooperation between stakeholders is still insufficient.
• Many innovators lack ethical awareness.
• Regulations are not yet conducive to suitable framework conditions.

In the political roadmap based on these findings, the research team developed the following recommendations:

• Regulatory authorities should pursue agile approaches, for example through:
  a) early exchange with innovators
  b) experimental forms of regulation
  c) the establishment of specialised supervision for digital health and AI in healthcare

• Different actors, especially innovators and regulators, should collaborate on a shared vision for responsible digital health innovations.
• Policy and regulation should create incentives that promote innovation and aim for measurable social impact.
• Key stakeholders should build competencies, develop a deeper understanding of digital health technologies and learn to apply agile methods.

The complete roadmap can be found here: https://digitalhealthroadmap.ethz.ch/

Digital Health Innovation: a Governance Roadmap for Switzerland (D-GOVmap)