Conceptual Framework for Smart Health: A Multi-Dimensional Model Using IPO Logic to Link Drivers and Outcomes

Abstract

Smart health is considered to be a new phase in the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in healthcare that can improve its efficiency and sustainability. However, based on our literature review on the concept of smart health, there is a lack of a comprehensive perspective on the concept of smart health and a framework for how to link the drivers and outcomes of smart health. This paper aims to interweave the drivers and outcomes in a multi-dimensional framework under the input–process–output (IPO) logic of the “system view” so as to promote a deeper understanding of the model of smart health. In addition to the collection of studies, we used the modified Delphi method (MDM) to invite 10 experts from different fields, and the views of the panelists were analyzed and integrated through a three-round iterative process to reach a consensus on the elements included in the conceptual framework. The study revealed that smart health contains five drivers (community, technology, policy, service, and management) and eight outcomes (efficient, smart, sustainable, planned, trustworthy, safe, equitable, health-beneficial, and economic). They all represent a unique aspect of smart health. This paper expands the research horizon of smart health, shifting from a single technology to multiple perspectives, such as community and management, to guide the development of policies and plans in order to promote smart health.