Value-based digital health: A systematic literature review of the value elements of digital health care

Abstract

Objective To carry out a systematic literature review to identify the Value Based Digital Health elements. Methods The search for records was carried out for the period 2012 to January 2024, in two main databases, EMBASE and Scopus. Records were limited to studies published since 2012. Studies presented either a conceptual framework on the concept of Value-Based Digital Health (VBDH), or results from an empirical work to generate evidence on the value of digital health, or a combination of both. The characteristics of the study, the type of digital health and measures and/or their value elements included, are synthesized and interpreted. To synthetize information, the patient journey phases are used as themes, where the identified value elements are allocated. This is analyzed by type of agent (of the general healthcare framework). Results The search yielded a total of 606 abstracts for screening. In the end, 67 studies were finally included for data extraction. VBDH elements are presented by phases of the patient journey and by agent. Despite the high heterogeneity of patients, theoretical and empirical works converge in elements such as the value of patient-centered care, education (health literacy) in the use of new digital health technologies, mechanisms to increase patient confidence and their participation in the health decision-making processes, or the importance of collecting patients’ reported outcomes and experiences, among other elements. The review also found empty areas among theoretical and empirical studies, where no VBDH elements were identified. Conclusion This systematic review identified the theoretical and empirical elements to measure the value of digital health and provides a framework of VBDH elements. Some of the theoretical elements are actually used in practice. Others, however, despite being relevant from a theoretical point of view, do not seem to be measured empirically. This work provides researchers of a source, for consultation, of value based digital health elements. This is helpful for improving the measurement of the value of digital health.