Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (2): 125-135.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.02.001

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Policies, standards and technological models of digital rehabilitation aligned with the framework of WHO's global digital health strategy

YANG Yaru1,2,3, QIU Zhuoying1,2(), CHEN Di2,4(), WANG Zhongyan1,2, ZHANG Meng5, JING Qi6, ZHANG Yaoguang7   

  1. 1. School of Social Development, International Center for Rehabilitation Policy and ICF Research, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266113, China
    2. WHO-FIC Collaborating Center in China, Beijing 100068, China
    3. College of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
    4. Rehabilitation Information Research Department, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing 100068, China
    5. Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
    6. School of Management/China Academy of ICF/China Rehabilitation and Health Research Institute, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
    7. Center for Health Statistics and Information, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100044, China
  • Received:2025-01-20 Published:2025-02-25 Online:2025-02-25
  • Contact: QIU Zhuoying, E-mail: qiutiger@hotmail.com;CHEN Di, E-mail: chendi@crrc.com.cn
  • Supported by:
    China Disabled Persons' Federation Project(24&BZA001);Shandong Key Research and Development Plan (Soft Science)(2023RZA01011);Shandong Key Research and Development Plan (Soft Science)(2023RZB01013);Medical Quality (Evidence-Based) Management Research Project of Hospital Management Research Institute, National Health Commission(YLZLXZ24G032);Central High Level Hospital Clinical Research Business Expenses(2022-PUMCH-A-223);the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Public Welfare Research Institutes, conducted by China Rehabilitation Science Institute(CRSI2024CZ-1);National Natural Science Foundation of China (General)(72374156)

Abstract:

Objective To systematically analyze the global policy framework, standard systems and application technology models of digital rehabilitation within the framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Digital Health Strategy and propose policy recommendations for the future development of digital rehabilitation.

Methods Based on the policies on digital health and rehabilitation development issued by the WHO, focusing on the Global Digital Health Strategy, Rehabilitation 2030 Initiative, Rehabilitation in Health Systems, Rehabilitation in Health Systems: A Guide for Action, and World Report on Disability,a systematic review was conducted, to explore the policy architecture and core content of digital rehabilitation, the standard system for digitalizing rehabilitation, and key technological models for the development of digital rehabilitation.

Results In the context of global health and digital transformation, the development of digital rehabilitation services was an essential component of the global digital health strategy. Building a comprehensive policy framework and content system for digital rehabilitation was critical for strengthening rehabilitation data governance, enhancing data utilization efficiency, and ensuring data privacy and security. Empowering rehabilitation with digital technology was vital for improving the standardization, effectiveness, coverage, quality and safety of rehabilitation services. International digital rehabilitation policies primarily involved the following areas: policy and governance, digital standard systems, data privacy, security and ethics, digital talent cultivation and capacity building, and monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of digitally empowered rehabilitation services. The standard system for rehabilitation digitization covered the three major reference classifications of the WHO Family of International Classifications, including International Classification of Diseases Eleventh Revision (ICD-11), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), and International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI), especially ICF. It also included international data interoperability standards, data security and privacy protection standards, data quality and certification standards, and health information standards, etc. The application technology models of digital rehabilitation primarily included data-driven service models, artificial intelligence -enabled models, and remote rehabilitation models combined with virtual reality, augmented reality technologies, and Internet of Things support.

Conclusion The establishment and implementation of comprehensive policies, standards and technological models for digital rehabilitation are crucial for driving the digital transformation and development of global rehabilitation services. Under the framework of the WHO Global Digital Health Strategy, it is necessary to build adaptive digital rehabilitation policy frameworks, and enhance digital governance capabilities and levels, establishing and improving digital rehabilitation standard systems, and promoting the interoperability and integration of rehabilitation data with other health big data. Meanwhile, it is essential to actively develop data-driven technological models for rehabilitation services to comprehensively improve the accessibility, availability, quality and safety of rehabilitation services.

Key words: digital rehabilitation, digital rehabilitation standard system, digital rehabilitation technology models, global digital health strategy

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