Lessons Learned from Natural Disasters around Digital Health Technologies and Delivering Quality Healthcare

This narrative review examines the role of digital health technologies (DHTs) in delivering healthcare during natural disasters, driven by climate change. The authors employ a mixed-methods approach, synthesizing literature and case studies from events like the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2019-2020 Australian bushfires. Key themes from the analysis highlight critical vulnerabilities, primarily the dependence of DHTs on robust infrastructure (electricity, telecommunications) that is often damaged during disasters. Case studies reveal that telehealth, electronic health records (EHRs), and mobile health applications can support continuity of care, such as reducing unnecessary emergency visits post-Hurricane Florence and aiding medication safety with EHR access during the Australian floods. However, significant challenges persist, including the digital divide, insufficient digital literacy, privacy concerns, and a lack of disaster-specific guidelines. The review stresses that current systems are not yet climate-resilient, as evidenced by EHR failures during recent London heatwaves. It proposes future directions, including leveraging citizen science for data collection and co-designing climate-resilient digital healthcare systems with stakeholders to ensure equitable access and functionality under non-optimal conditions.