Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: May 29, 2024
Date Accepted: Aug 31, 2024
Transitioning Perspectives in Digital Health through Phenomenology Integration
ABSTRACT
The evolution of Digital health, from its early days as eHealth to its current expansive scope, reflects a significant transformation in healthcare delivery and management. This transition underscores the integration of digital technologies across the health continuum, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation. The emergence of digital health has introduced innovative solutions but also posed challenges, particularly in aligning technological advancements with health needs, human experiences, and ethical considerations. This position paper aims to explore the integration of phenomenology in digital health, advocating for a paradigm that emphasizes the centrality of human experience in the design and implementation of digital health solutions. It specifically seeks to address challenges related to relevance, individuals who "speak" different languages, ensuring long-term use, addressing digital and health literacy, coordinating various sources, and navigating ethical issues in the rapidly evolving digital health landscape. Drawing upon years of research and practical experience in communication technologies and health, this paper employs a reflective approach to examine the intersection of digital health and phenomenology. It reviews the historical development of digital health, identifies the challenges faced during its evolution, and discusses the potential of phenomenological methods to enhance user-centered design and ethical practices in digital health. The integration of phenomenology into digital health facilitates a deeper understanding of user experiences, enabling the development of more responsive and ethical digital health solutions. Participatory design models, informed by phenomenological perspectives, offer a pathway to bridge the gap between technological innovation and human-centric healthcare. The paper highlights successful practices in digital health development, including mobile applications for vaccination decision-making and platforms for managing chronic conditions, illustrating the benefits of a phenomenological approach. Transitioning perspectives in digital health through phenomenology integration represents a critical step towards realizing the full potential of digital technologies in healthcare.
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