Tag: Digital

‘Digital safety kit’ offers guidance for public health workers dealing with online harassment | News

January 31, 2024 – Political divisions that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an uptick in online harassment of people working in the public health arena—and the harassment hasn’t died down. In response, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Center for Health Communication (CHC) has produced a Digital Safety Kit for Public Health that aims to help public health workers and researchers navigate hostile online experiences and perhaps avoid them altogether.

The toolkit was put together by Samuel Mendez, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mendez, who focuses on organizational health literacy and online communication, is also a research assistant and student advisory board member at the CHC. The kit, which Mendez wrote about in a January 23 opinion piece in Harvard Public Health, provides a wealth of information about online harassment—how to recognize it, how to respond, how to make a plan to protect yourself, and what institutions can do.

The idea for the toolkit grew, in part, as Mendez watched colleagues, including doctors, scientists, and public health communicators, experience online harassment—and have to deal with it mostly on their own.

“My friends and peers, even those at a university or research center, have found that they can’t count right now on their institutions to have a lot of resources lined up to respond effectively,” Mendez said in an interview. “There are guides from content creators and streamers and social media influencers that offer a lot of individual advice—for instance, how to keep your public profile separate from your personal profile—and it’s great that those resources are available. But I found that existing advice doesn’t really translate well to public health, because in the world of public health a certain amount of your professional information has to be public because you get federal

Evaluating the effectiveness of locally led digital public health campaigns

Evaluation of the effectiveness of locally-led digital public health campaigns
COVID-19 vaccine campaign metrics. Credit: DIGITAL HEALTH (2024). DOI: 10.1177/20552076231220151

Kingston University academics and staff from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames’ Department of Health Behaviors and Public Health Services have published an evaluation of the effectiveness of a series of locally led digital public health campaigns.

The work concluded that local authority-led online marketing campaigns for health promotion, assessed across a variety of platforms, health promotion initiatives, and population targets, are useful for increasing participation in public health programs.

The study, commissioned by Kingston Council and evaluated by health psychology experts Professor Tushna Vandrevala and Dr. Kristin Hanson, analyzed four locally led public health campaigns that employed a variety of digital marketing methods including social media advertising, search engine optimization and programmatic marketing.

The campaigns, designed as interventions to increase involvement in public health programs, included a drive to increase the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine, a weight management program, at-home sexual health testing, and a free condom distribution program.

The research, which has been published in the journal Digital Health, looked at online health promotion initiatives undertaken by the Council between July 2020 and April 2022. The academic experts examined a variety of levels of engagement with the campaigns, including impressions (low engagement), click throughs to content (medium engagement) and sign-ups for each campaign (high engagement).

Dr. Hanson said the researchers’ findings showed the potential impact online marketing holds for public health. “Locally led digital marketing for public health has the potential to extend the reach of health services by harnessing the communication means that are used regularly to provide information to members of the public that is specifically tailored for that community. These types of campaigns can be really cost effective, can overcome barriers to participation, and are a great way to get vital public

Message from the Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on Digital Health Week November 13-19, 2023

Statement


November 14, 2023 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

More than ever before, digital technologies are becoming central to the health and well-being of Canadians. This Digital Health Week, we want to recognize how digital health is transforming the delivery of care and improving health outcomes across Canada.

Canadians should be able to securely access their health information electronically, yet currently, only about one third of Canadians can access some of their health information online.

Clinicians also can’t easily access or share patient health information, because electronic health care systems don’t always connect. This can affect patient safety, add unnecessary or duplicative tests, and result in longer wait times and hospital stays. We all deserve a health care system that allows for the sharing of health information between health professionals—allowing for better care while respecting privacy.

The potential of a digitally-connected health care system for Canadians is significant. Whether it’s obtaining a prescription without the need for physical paperwork, or consulting with your doctor from the comfort of your home, digital health care systems and services should be easily accessible whenever and wherever they are needed.

Earlier this year, our government outlined its Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan to invest close to $200 billion over 10 years to improve health care for Canadians. Within this funding, $25 billion is allocated through tailored bilateral agreements to address the unique needs of their populations and advance shared health priorities with each province and territory. These bilateral agreements include commitments by all levels of government

Addressing the growing needs of Kazakhstan’s digital health workforce

Within a decade, Kazakhstan has moved from a paper-based health information system to embracing a rapid implementation of digital interventions for managers, clinicians, and patients. Digital data and digital processes have become vital for health financing, patient pathway management, quality control and health-related government services. Since 2013, when the first national eHealth development strategy was adopted, the country has implemented institutional reforms and strengthened legislation, as well as introduced digital tools at all levels of the health-care system. 

The WHO Country Office in Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Health, with financial support from the European Union (EU), organized a 2-day roundtable discussion with academia to address some of the questions arising from these new developments. Are health-care professionals ready to ensure the safe use of new technologies? Does the sector have enough human resources and knowledge to cope with the pace of technological change? What digital skills and knowledge should health-care professionals have in 5 or 10 years from now? 

“The planning horizon for education and human resource management in health care is extremely long, while technologies are bringing us everyday revolutions right now. This means we have to address the topic of digital health in pre-service education in a strategic and mindful manner,” stated Mr Beibut Yessenbayev, Vice Minister of Health of Kazakhstan. 

A digitally enabled future

Deans and faculty members from 7 medical universities, as well as officials from the Ministry of Health, attended the event. Participants engaged in lively discussions about the specific knowledge and skills that should be integrated into medical education curricula. Several key themes emerged:

  • Digital literacy: Participants agreed that health-care professionals must possess a strong foundation in digital literacy, encompassing not only basic computer skills but also an understanding of data privacy and cybersecurity.
  • Telemedicine and remote monitoring: The importance of training health-care

Google announces funding for AI-enabled digital health projects

Google announced that it is funding 15 AI-powered projects, including digital health initiatives to improve provider experience and patient access to care, via its commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Each project received $3 million in technical assistance, cash support and Google Cloud credits. A handful of projects received Google.org Fellowships, where a team of Google employees works with an organization pro bono full time for up to six months.

Of the 15 AI projects funded, the following eight digital health endeavors were awarded funding:

RAD-AID provides low-source hospitals with an AI-enabled platform that helps triage patients, primarily regarding respiratory disease and breast cancer. The platform also helps interpret X-rays and scans and provide test results. 

Wuqu’ Kawoq and safe+natal are collaborating to develop a machine learning-enabled tool kit to help midwives in rural areas of Guatemala detect neonatal complications in real-time, such as poor fetal growth and fetal stress during delivery. The tool kit will consist of an ultrasound and blood pressure monitor connected to one’s smartphone. 

MATCH (Music Attuned Technology – Care via eHealth) is a project built out of the University of Melbourne and CSIRO that combines music and wearable sensor technology to decrease agitation in patients with dementia. Google’s grant will help the team develop the sensor technology and AI-enabled adaptive music system.

Makerere AI Lab will develop a 3D-printed adapter that processes images using AI and is compatible with a phone or microscope. The goal is to help providers in Uganda diagnose patients with illnesses, such as tuberculosis, malaria and cancer in low- and middle-income countries where lab technicians are scarce.   

IDinsight with Reach Digital Health developed a natural language-enabled question-answering service for expectant mothers in South Africa, which provides answers to inquiries and vital health information.  

Causal Foundry seeks to

Plus-size movement reshapes fashion in Brazil – Digital Journal

Brazilian designer Amanda Momente founded a plus size clothing label ‘to fit our bodies’ – Copyright GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File SPENCER PLATT

Luján Scarpinelli

Defying the fashion world’s narrow stereotype of beauty, Brazilian plus-size designer Amanda Momente poses confidently for the camera, wearing the clothing label she founded after failing to find other options that fit.

More than half of all adults in Brazil are overweight, but Momente is part of a growing movement of entrepreneurs, activists and models who are fed up with a fashion industry they say fails to fit their needs and shames them for their bodies.

“Society judged me based on one thing, so I took that thing and used it… to launch my business,” says Momente, 34, dressed in a sheer black bodysuit created by Wondersize, the company she founded in 2017.

The former real-estate agent, who sports a pink mohawk and multiple tattoos, got the idea after feeling uncomfortable at the gym in clothes she says were too tight, turned transparent when stretched or bunched up around her thighs.

She decided to find a seamstress to help her make her own workout outfit.

It turned out so well she quit her day job and plunged headfirst into the fashion world, she says.

The rise of colorful, stylish clothes for Brazilians with large bodies is part of a broader international trend rejecting unrealistic standards of beauty, especially for women.

“The fashion industry needs to fit our bodies, not the other way around,” says Momente.

– ‘Identity and dignity’ –

Major brands tend to dedicate at most a small portion of their lines to clothing in larger sizes, leaving “repressed” demand, says Marcela Liz, head of the Brazil Plus Size Association.

The plus-size sector grew in Brazil more than 75 percent in the decade through 2021,

The Rise of Digital Clothing in Europe

Revolutionizing Fashion: The Rise of Digital Clothing in Europe

The fashion industry, known for its constant evolution and innovation, is once again on the brink of a significant transformation. This time, the revolution is not about a new trend or a groundbreaking designer, but rather a technological advancement that is reshaping the way we perceive and interact with fashion. The rise of digital clothing in Europe is not only revolutionizing the fashion industry but also challenging our understanding of what clothing can be.

Digital clothing, or virtual fashion, refers to garments that exist only in the digital realm. These are not physical items that you can touch or wear, but digital designs that can be superimposed onto images or avatars in virtual environments. The concept might seem futuristic, but it is rapidly gaining traction in Europe, with several brands and designers leading the charge.

One of the pioneers in this field is The Fabricant, a digital fashion house based in Amsterdam. They create high-quality digital couture and have collaborated with major brands like Adidas and Tommy Hilfiger. Their work is not only visually stunning but also environmentally friendly. As digital clothing requires no physical materials, it produces no waste, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion.

Another key player in the digital fashion scene is Carlings, a Scandinavian brand that launched its first digital clothing collection in 2018. The collection was a hit, selling out within a week. Since then, Carlings has continued to innovate, offering customers the opportunity to purchase digital items that can be superimposed onto their photos by professional 3D designers.

The rise of digital clothing in Europe is not just a testament to technological advancement, but also a reflection of changing consumer attitudes. As more people become aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion,

Exploring the Future of Fashion: Digital Clothing in LAMEA

Unveiling the Future: The Rise of Digital Clothing in LAMEA

The future of fashion is being reimagined in the Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA) region, with digital clothing taking center stage. This innovative concept is transforming the fashion industry, offering a sustainable and technologically advanced alternative to traditional clothing.

Digital clothing, also known as virtual fashion, is a new frontier in the fashion industry. It involves the creation of garments in digital form, which can be worn by digital avatars or superimposed onto a person’s image using augmented reality (AR) technology. This revolutionary approach to fashion is gaining traction in the LAMEA region, where designers and consumers alike are embracing the potential of digital clothing.

The rise of digital clothing in LAMEA is driven by several factors. Firstly, the region’s growing digital economy is creating a fertile ground for the adoption of new technologies. With increasing internet penetration and smartphone usage, consumers in LAMEA are becoming more digitally savvy, opening up opportunities for innovative concepts like digital clothing.

Secondly, the region’s fashion industry is known for its creativity and willingness to experiment with new ideas. This spirit of innovation is propelling the adoption of digital clothing, with designers in LAMEA exploring the potential of this new medium to create unique and imaginative designs.

Moreover, digital clothing offers a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion, which is a significant selling point in a world increasingly concerned about environmental issues. The production of digital clothing requires no physical materials, reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional clothing production. This aspect is particularly appealing to the younger, environmentally conscious consumers in LAMEA, who are driving the demand for sustainable fashion.

However, the rise of digital clothing in LAMEA is not without its challenges. The concept is still relatively new, and there is

Digital well being information can assistance meet up with a significant public overall health obstacle

Electronic Health Records
Credit history: CC0 Public Area

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of increasing the stream of info on infectious disorders from digital health information (EHRs) to community health organizations. A lot less notice has been paid out to the price of EHR facts for long-term illness surveillance.

At the HIMSS (Health care Details and Administration Programs Culture) International Well being Convention & Exhibition (HIMSS23), Brian Dixon, Ph.D., MPA, of Regenstrief Institute and Indiana College Richard M. Fairbanks School of Community Wellbeing and Lorna Thorpe, Ph.D., MPH, of NYU Grossman School of Medicine, will explore leveraging EHR knowledge to estimate the incidence and prevalence of long-term situations of significant general public health importance.

“The details that clinicians are entering into digital professional medical report systems is critical not only for clinical care but also population wellbeing, specially determining new circumstances of diabetic issues, new instances of hypertension, and also assessing how substantially hypertension, how a great deal diabetic issues, is in our population,” said Dr. Dixon.

“Electronic health and fitness documents are important for public health and fitness and not just for monitoring infectious disease—but also chronic illness. EHR data make it possible for us to go into a more compact geographic area—counties and even neighborhoods—so that we can improved focus on interventions to address long-term sickness in the county wherever it exists.”

Concentrating on diabetes, cardiovascular ailment and prolonged COVID, the two populace overall health specialists will focus on use of EHR data to progress measurement of serious sickness burdens which includes:

  • Significance of use of clinical facts in addition to administrative information
  • Interoperability and integration requirements
  • Current position of attempts underway, including examples of health devices that are working together in communities throughout the U.S.
  • Techniques to amplify efforts in well being programs

“We have an chance to structure

Ontario funding cuts: Digital well being care entry stripped

&#13
Amid a developing lack of family medical doctors and rising strain on Canada’s healthcare facility units, current funding alterations have slashed accessibility to digital care in Ontario — forcing some people to opt for between a most likely pointless emergency home take a look at and shelling out out of pocket for care that employed to be cost-free, according to the founder of a single virtual care platform.

&#13
That system, referred to as Rocket Medical professional, says cuts to funding have had a extraordinary impact on its skill to deliver providers to people.

&#13
The platform operates in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, but it has been asking Ontario people to spend out of pocket ever since the province stripped funding to physicians featuring virtual care in December. One more virtual care system, Kixcare, switched to a compensated format in reaction to the funding adjust as properly.

&#13
Dr. William Cherniak is an unexpected emergency care medical doctor and the founder of Rocket Health care provider, wherever clients can hook up to a physician on the web by partnerships with hospitals for different principal treatment issues, these kinds of as consultations, prescriptions or lab do the job referrals.

&#13
“I imagine the authorities has a incredibly difficult job to do to consider to sort out the place to allocate funds in the overall health-care program, but I assume just one of the issues that transpired, distinct to our software, is as a Canadian technological innovation firm, we help physicians to follow medication pretty much, and then aid them co-ordinate that into a technique of treatment.” Cherniak advised CTV’s Your Morning on Thursday.

&#13
“And when people cuts occurred in December, dropping reimbursement by 50 per cent for spouse and children unexpected emergency doctors who had not seen a individual

Back To Top