A Digital Health Evaluation Framework

Abstract

Purpose: Digital health evaluation frameworks are needed to guide the development, implementation and evaluation of innovative, integrated systems of digital care. In this paper we describe a framework that was developed to evaluate the implementation of digital health technologies at a regional level. Materials and Methods: The framework was developed in a series of iterative phases beginning with a review of digital health frameworks used in Canada, which was followed by a scoping review focused on frameworks, models and theories used internationally to evaluate digital health technologies. Data extracted from articles were analyzed thematically to arrive at factors, concepts and measures that were incorporated in the final version of the framework following researcher discussions.  Results: A range of themes and concepts emerged in the areas of: (1) organizational and context factors, (2) system, (3) use and process, and (4) outcomes. Conclusions: Several new themes and concepts were identified and incorporated into the new digital health evaluation framework.