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Sustainability Triangle Framework for Digital Health Systems: A Conceptual Model for Sustainable Health Care

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Smart Trends in Computing and Communications (SmartCom 2023)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems ((LNNS,volume 650))

Abstract

COVID-19 has revolutionized the healthcare systems globally with the accelerated implementation of digital health interventions. Digital innovation in patient care through various approaches like eHealth and mHealth has gained popularity and is considered effective for encountering challenges concerning healthcare accessibility. Along with the ability of digital health systems to adapt and evolve, a congruence of social, economic, and environmental sustainability is essential for any program to be “sustainable.” In this paper, the factors associated with each form of sustainability of digital health systems are identified considering the case of the Indian digital health system, and a sustainability triangle framework for digital health systems is proposed. A blended financing model and frugal innovation strategy are proposed to enhance the economic sustainability of digital health systems. Fostering digital and health literacy and providing human assistance (e.g., through community health workers/Accredited Social Health Activists) for the vulnerable or aged population are recommended for social sustainability. Cleaner production of the ICT infrastructure, its scientific disposal, reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy, and fostering sustainable consumption to avoid rebound effects are identified as feasible strategies for environmental sustainability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Amrita School of Business, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India

    Sanju Kaladharan, M. Dhanya & G. Rejikumar

  2. London Metropolitan University, London, UK

    Janeesha Puthanpurayil

Authors
  1. Sanju Kaladharan
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  2. M. Dhanya
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  3. G. Rejikumar
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  4. Janeesha Puthanpurayil
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sanju Kaladharan .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan

    Tomonobu Senjyu

  2. Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

    Chakchai So-In

  3. Global Knowledge Research Foundation, Ahmedabad, India

    Amit Joshi

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© 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

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Kaladharan, S., Dhanya, M., Rejikumar, G., Puthanpurayil, J. (2023). Sustainability Triangle Framework for Digital Health Systems: A Conceptual Model for Sustainable Health Care. In: Senjyu, T., So-In, C., Joshi, A. (eds) Smart Trends in Computing and Communications. SmartCom 2023. Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol 650. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-0838-7_46

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