Engaging Patients and Citizens in Digital Health – Opportunity or Challenge?

Abstract

Digital health innovations thrive when patient involvement is integrated from the outset. This commentary highlights insights from the DigiHealthDayS-2024 Scientific Congress, emphasizing the pivotal role of patient engagement in shaping digital health solutions. Drawing on recent presentations, it is evident that early collaboration with patients—not merely as end users, but as co-creators and experts—yields solutions that are more user-centered, effective, and sustainable. The WHO has been strongly recommending patient engagement in primary care ever since 2016, underscoring its importance in improving care quality and fostering trust. Key innovations include the structured use of advisory boards, focus groups, real-world evidence platforms, agile development processes, and the acknowledgment of patient diversity. Furthermore, the session calls for embedding patient collaboration modules into digital health curricula, ensuring that future practitioners are well-versed in participatory design and ethical compensation. This commentary discusses these findings, identifies critical considerations for effective patient involvement, and outlines future directions for research and policy in digital health innovation.