Digital Health Advisory (Digital Health Strategy & Policy)
BACKGROUND
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has invested over years in sustainable cost-effective technology, systems, and processes to ensure the right information is available to the right people at the right time to support evidence-based decision-making in both managerial and clinical settings. The National Health Information Strategy (CIS-HIS 2016-2020) is the overarching document that has provided overall strategic direction for health over the five-year period. This sets out vision, ambition, priorities and areas of work to maximize the use of digital technology in health and social care services.
The MHMS through the support of WHO conducted a mid-term review of its CIS-HIS strategy. The purpose of the CIS-HIS strategy review was to identify what has been accomplished, identify and mitigate further risks, and provide a broad assessment of the quality of data used for evidence-base planning and reporting. Above all, it was also an opportunity to catalyse, rebalance and shape the provision of digital services in-line with the MHMS’ operations, priorities and cost-saving measures, and indubitably how to support the Government’s digital transformation agenda and to ensure that it is aligned to the National Development Plan and the Sustainable development Goals.
The critical review identified several challenges to creating a sustainable digital health environment fit for the purpose of MHMS and the population it serves. Foundational aspects such as the capacity of people in an enabling environment, a stable, accessible and reliable infrastructure and quality, coding and standards were found lacking. Review findings also provided a focus for MHMS to action its new strategic and annual operational plans. This includes finding ways to use new and emerging technologies to improve health care and enabling services via appropriate innovation and technology.
The development of a Digital Health Strategy is also an opportunity for the community to reflect on how technology can complement and help people take control of their health. Health professionals to provide patients the highest quality of care, and to build on the country’s distinguished leadership in the discovery of new medicines and treatments.
Furthermore, the new strategy provides an opportunity to realign and re-shape the provision of digital health services in line with the Ministry’s operations, priorities and services with the aim to support the Government's digital transformation agenda. This includes finding ways to use new and emerging technologies to improve health care and enabling services via appropriate innovation and technology. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic has implications for the design, development, and use of technologies. There is an urgent need for a greater understanding of what roles information systems and technology can play in maintaining health services and managing the pandemic.
A key recommendation of the review is the development of a digital health strategy, which presents a vision and direction to guide activities and investments in technology across MHMS. The strategy will set the principles to guide the design and development of new digital health capabilities to support the delivery of safe and high-quality health care.
PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY
The digital health advisor(s) will be required to sustainably support and strengthen MHMS’ digital agenda and strongly align with the national strategic plan to “Harness digital technologies to facilitate better health care for patients”. WHO is seeking the services of a qualified individual(s) to be available to support digital health activities on a short- term basis at the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Fiji office.
The specific objective of the consultant is to prepare and strengthen Fiji’s digital health unit and HIS environment while concurrently facilitating MHMS development of its new digital health vision and strategy. This includes helping the digital health team mitigate as many technical risks as possible to ensure continuity of service. The contractors will also review and (re-develop if needed) related existing policies to align with future directions. In addition, the digital health advisor will work with the MHMS management team or the Government of Fiji as directed.
DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
The digital health advisor is required to support and strengthen the Ministry of Health Medical Service Strategic plan to ‘Harness digital technologies to facilitate better health care for patients”. WHO is seeking the services of a qualified individual or preferably a team to be available to support digital health planning and implementation of the existing activities.
The specific objective of the digital health advisor is to prepare and strengthen Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Fiji’s digital health and HIS environment to support the country’s develop its Digital Health Strategy & Policy, review and develop related existing policies e.g. and further strengthen its planning and other unidentified priorities that may have a negative impact to the success of achieving its objective.
The Digital Health Contractor will be responsible for assisting MHMS, including but not limited to the following:
- Consult and achieve an agreement with MHMS management on the 108 strategic action items to be prioritised and executed as outlined in the HIS – CIS Mid-term Review Report.
- Develop a new practical Digital Health Strategy (including the elements of a national digital health vision, action/implementation plan and M&E strategy). The strategy needs to align to the objectives of MHMS (i.e. national health strategy) and the Government of Fiji’s Digital Transformation agenda. This includes developing and expanding the current digital health strategy to support the implementation of the ‘Remodelling of Health Service’ provisions outputs. The strategy needs to be a national health strategy including all sectoral programs such as integrated surveillance, NCD program, immunization program etc. Additionally, the strategy development should include existing technology review to understand current legacy systems and gaps to inform the building digital health platform and architectural design.
- Support the overall coordination and the establishment of an active Digital Health Committee, including coordinating with other partner agencies, organizing consultation workshops with stakeholders, and reaching out to other government agencies as needed to create a harmonized approach to digital health.
- Strengthen the digital health regulatory process that includes establishing an internal digital health policy and other processes that aligns to ITC and broader government mandates.
- Assist MHMS in the revision of existing policies with development of the news, which is not limited to the Health information system policy, Health Medical Records Policy, Telemedicine policy and others.
- Conduct a thorough feasibility study on a possible national electronic health record system (EHR) to replace PATISplus.
- Improve the reporting and dashboard requirements for the ministry, especially for the ‘remodelling of health service provision’ document.
- Provide support to the Telemedicine Advisory Group and its activities.
- Initiate a process or mechanism for implementing and monitoring digital health projects.
- Assist in defining the business, technical and management requirements for each initiative that is not limited to cost/effort estimation, architecture, staffing, approach, planning, etc.
- Assist with the coordination and project management of multiple projects with partners and agencies, including developing and maintaining the project charter and project plan for each project.
- Further strengthen the CRVS reporting through process mapping and other improvement initiatives.
- Review the change management strategies/ guidelines for MHMS personnel and instituted digital health best practices.
- Mentor or coach the technical staff to establish and sustain digital health practice.
- Evaluate and advise on right-sizing the technical human resources fit for the existing demand and purpose of the Ministry of Health & Medical services
The Digital Health Contractor will also be responsible for identifying and prioritizing key initiatives from inception through to completion and will be responsible and accountable for the delivery of these initiatives.
Under the overall supervision of the WHO Representative, and in collaboration with Technical Officer for HIS/Digital Health and the WHO country focal point for Fiji, the digital health advisor will provide technical and operational assistance in implementing health information and digital health initiatives to strengthen the country’s digital health initiatives.
- Planned timelines:
- Start date: November 24, 2021
- End date: July 24, 2022
- Technical Supervision:
- Responsible Officer: Katri Kontio, Technical Officer HIS
- Manager: Dr Akeem, Health Systems Coordinator, DPS
METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY
The incumbent or team will work as a member of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services Digital Health Team in close collaboration with the WHO Division of Pacific Technical Support. The Digital Health Advisor will be required to work onsite with the MHMS Digital Health Team, WPRO and other agencies and provide regular updates to the Head of Research, Innovation, Data Analysis, Management and Digital Health Team.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
A background in health information system, digital health, health ICT, health service delivery and health financing is preferred. The team leader/senior expert should be duty stationed in Fiji to support MHMS for the duration of the contract.
EDUCATION
Essential:
- • Public Health and Health information technology/Digital Health expert(s). The health information technology (IT) expert will have around 15 years of relevant experience with a relevant academic degree.
EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- • At least 15 years' experience in information management systems, digital health and project management.
- • Strong business (clinical and public health) and digital/ technical acumen with a demonstrable track record of success.
- • Experience working in health sector and strong understanding on health systems strengthening
- • Experience working in Fiji or the Pacific or in other low resources settings/small islands.
Desirable:
- • Previous experience in resource limited in public health, health information systems, health information management, and monitoring and evaluation.
- • Previous international experience in digital health or similar role, particularly on collecting business requirements and strategy development.
- • A medical science, public health or related health professional background is desirable (at least one of a team member should have health background).
- • Experience in service design, change management and human centric design/design thinking methods.
- • Has experience with working in developing countries in implementing digital health solutions
TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
- • Excellent communication and written skills
- • Excellent analytical, planning and organizational skills;
- • Ability to work in a team with limited supervision; and
- • Ability to work under pressure.
- • Time Management and Project Management Skills
LANGUAGES
- • Written and spoken fluency in English is essential;
COMPETENCIES
- • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond;
- • Moving forward in a changing environment;
- • Ensuring the effective use of resources;
- • Fostering Integration and teamwork; and
- • Communication in a credible and effective way.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Place of Assignment
Assigned to Suva, Fiji and home-based
Medical clearance
As per WHO terms of contract
Travel (travel dates to be determined)
The Consultant is expected to travel according to the itinerary and estimated schedule below:
- Travel dates: January/February 2022 - June/July 2022
- Location: Fiji
- Purpose: As requested/needed for outbreak response activities
- Conditions: Ensure that the individual/organisation adhere to all existing COVID 19 travel protocols as outlined by the Fijian Government
APPLICATIONS
Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and cover letter with proposal to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 5 November 2021.
The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include a proposal indicating proposed daily cost and timelines.
Please use Tender Notice No. 149416 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.