Benchmarking Sweden’s Digitalization Transformation Strategy

Abstract

Background:

The ongoing revolution in health care, driven by wearable technology, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things, is reshaping both health care operations and our daily lives. This digital transformation ensures broader access to health care options, fosters patient-centered care and affects both health care institutions and individuals. In Sweden, health care is undergoing a digital shift, with initiatives like personal health management, remote monitoring, and virtual care enhancing patient involvement. This article reviews Sweden’s health care digital transformation and compares it with the United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) initiatives to assess viability.

Methods:

Using systematic literature review methods, databases from 2011 to 2023 were searched, supplemented by reference lists.

Results:

Database searches identified 761 records. A total of 480 articles were screened on basis of title and abstract, yielding 184 that were assessed for eligibility, leading to 40 academic studies to be included and 12 grey literature.

Conclusions:

The findings highlight Sweden’s success in empowering patients through enhanced connectivity with clinical teams, knowledge sharing, and care management. However, due to contextual differences, the UAE should not blindly replicate Sweden’s strategy. In conclusion, Sweden’s efforts have positively engaged patients in health care, but challenges such as emerging technologies, demographic shifts, and budget constraints persist. Proactive planning and adaptation are crucial, with lessons applicable to the UAE market. Establishing a clear regulatory framework for digital care is imperative for future resilience.

Introduction

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Digital transformation in health care involves leveraging advanced digital technology to enhance health care delivery and address medical challenges.¹ This includes utilizing the internet, digital tools, and data management to improve patient care and reduce costs.² In addition, it impacts medical education, leading to the development of new teaching techniques and opportunities for practitioners.³ Overall, embracing digital transformation offers fresh opportunities for innovation and collaboration in health care, provided the necessary infrastructure and skills are in place.

Digital transformation, per Regulation (EU) 2021/694, involves using digital technology to overhaul enterprises and services.⁴ Technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things platforms support this. Digital health, as defined by Ref.,¹ integrates digital tools like Electronic Health Records (EHRs), telemedicine, and wearables to enhance health care delivery. It enhances patient engagement and involvement, fostering health innovation.⁵

SWEDISH HEALTH CARE’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Sweden regularly updates health care technology and information standards due to its complex system. Fig. 1 shows past milestones, and the next section focuses on current and future efforts.

Fig. 1.

Implementation of digital health technologies in Sweden (2023).

The Vision for e-Health 2025 aims to establish Sweden as a global leader in e-health. Efforts are underway to standardize health data for interoperability among IT systems, enhancing accessibility and utilization. The National Medication List Act (2018:1212) enhances patient safety by facilitating the exchange of medication information. Digital health service usage has surged, with various platforms available. While not governed by specific laws, both traditional health care entities and digital services are considered health care providers. Recommendations by the National Board of Health and Welfare outline four criteria for appropriate digital health care provision: eliminating physical meetings where possible, tailoring services to individual patient abilities, ensuring access to comprehensive patient health data, and facilitating follow-up coordination.^6

–9

Sweden aims to lead the health care transformation through technology, fostering efficient, patient-centric, and high-quality care. Digital innovations such as telemedicine platforms, patient-focused monitoring devices, and AI-supported electronic medical records offer promising avenues. A systematic review investigates how Swedish health care stakeholders utilize such technologies to improve patient journeys and outcomes. Stakeholders include providers, patients, government bodies, tech firms, researchers, insurers, and others involved in or impacted by digital health care adoption. The term “patient journey” refers to the entirety of patient experiences within the health care system, from initial symptoms to follow-up care. The review explores Sweden’s use of digital technology to enhance this journey and improve care, aiming for better patient experiences.^10,11

According to Statista’s Market Insight on Digital Health in Sweden, the market is projected to reach USD625.10M by 2027, with an expected revenue of USD455.06M in 2023, showing an annual growth rate of 8.23% (CAGR 2023–2027). The anticipated average revenue per user is USD51.168. This market encompasses various technologies like telemedicine, wearables, and health apps, driven by smartphone and internet usage and a shift toward healthier lifestyles. The COVID-19 pandemic has further boosted growth by enhancing public health care access and self-monitoring. Regulatory approvals and reimbursement pathways are facilitating the acceptance of digital therapeutics, defined as digital interventions for medical conditions. Policies, technology, procedures, and personnel support Swedish health care providers in managing and analyzing necessary data.^12,13

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW LITERATURE AIM

This review investigates whether Sweden’s digital health transformation positively impacts patient participation in managing their health and if the UAE should adopt a similar strategy. Despite widespread digital health adoption in Sweden, research lacks a comprehensive understanding of how these changes affect patient empowerment. While existing studies focus on digital tool adoption and efficiency, there’s a gap in understanding their impact on patient involvement in health management. This gap is significant, as patient participation is crucial for better health outcomes and satisfaction. Our research aims to fill this gap by examining how Sweden’s digital health transformation relates to patient participation, offering insights for policymakers and health care providers aiming for patient-centered care.

The phrase “adjustments in the Swedish Healthcare system” in the research question refers to changes made in response to digital health transformation. This includes policy, infrastructure, workflow changes, and new technology integration. “Positive impact” means beneficial outcomes like better patient outcomes, efficiency, access, and satisfaction. Digital technologies enabling patient participation could drive health care transformation in Sweden. Patient empowerment through digital tools may play a key role in this transformation.¹⁴

This review aims to: 1) map the literature on our topic through a systematic literature review, 2) identify core challenges in the Swedish patient experience such as long wait times, access difficulties, quality disparities, communication barriers, and care coordination issues, 3) uncover various initiatives deployed in the Swedish health care system, considering diverse priorities, resources, and expertise among health care organizations and government agencies, 4) assess the impact of these initiatives on patient participation in health care, and 5) highlight remaining risks, including emerging technologies, demographic shifts, budget constraints, and global health crises. The review will draw from peer-reviewed academic and grey literature, following established reporting guidelines for empirical research.¹⁵

The article aims to highlight the positive outcomes of health-related initiatives, but its focus on positives without addressing potential negatives raises concerns about the completeness of the analysis. This emphasis on positives may be to demonstrate effectiveness and benefits, limiting the scope to positive impacts only. Future research could benefit from a more balanced approach, considering both positive and negative consequences.

METHODS

To gather relevant articles on the digital transformation of health care in Sweden, a bibliographic analysis was performed. Keywords such as “digital transformation in healthcare” were used, and the search was limited to recent publications from 2011 to 2023. VOSviewer software was used to create bibliometric networks based on these keywords, utilizing the Scopus database. An advanced search on Scopus was conducted using the keyword “digital transformation in healthcare,” and the results were exported to VOSviewer for network visualization, as illustrated in Fig. 2. In addition, Table 1 was generated to showcase Sweden’s involvement in digital transformation research.

Fig. 2.

Most productive countries on research subject “digital transformation in healthcare” — network visualization (2023).

Table 1.

List of Most Productive Countries on Research Subject “Digital Transformation in Healthcare” (2023)

COUNTRY	DOCUMENTS	CITATIONS	TOTAL LINK STRENGTH
Portugal	6	104	16
South Korea	7	417	25
Singapore	7	54	16
Saudi Arabia	8	233	10
Spain	9	124	15
Belgium	10	230	45
France	10	235	24
Ireland	10	174	23
Denmark	12	115	31
Norway	13	165	35
Finland	14	170	49
Canada	15	407	25
Italy	17	212	47
Switzerland	18	191	37
China	26	1061	38
Netherlands	28	443	76
Germany	30	649	79
Australia	32	688	79
India	48	700	20
United Kingdom	73	1,586	163
United States	135	3,100	139
Sweden	184	2,747	154

Sweden leads in publications on digital transformation in health care, indicating its notable advancements in this field with 184 publications. This abundance of research forms a strong basis for our systematic review. Using VOSviewer, we identified key research trends, including “digital transformation,” “digital technology,” “Swedish digital transformation,” “health care,” “personal health management,” “wellness,” “big data,” “virtual care,” “telehealth,” “diagnostic,” “triage,” “data analytics,” and “internet of things.” This visualization in Fig. 3 guided our focus on Swedish health care digital transformation for our study, streamlining our search for relevant articles.

Fig. 3.

Top research trends under “digital transformation in healthcare”—network visualization (2023).

VOSviewer facilitated a targeted search, extracting key terms related to “digital transformation of healthcare in Sweden,” optimizing the systematic literature review’s efficiency by pinpointing relevant articles and excluding irrelevant ones.

We conducted a systematic review of digital health transformation literature spanning 12 years, examining academic publications in English from 2011 to 2023 in the Scopus database, as well as reputable grey literature sources. Our review followed Transfield et al. (2003) and PRISMA guidelines,^16,17 summarizing results systematically. Search terms encompassed “digital transformation,” “Swedish digital transformation,” “personal health management,” “human wellness,” “human remote monitoring,” “human wearables,” “virtual care,” “telehealth,” “diagnostic,” “triage,” and “healthcare analytics,” optimizing search combinations.

“Digital transformation” AND “Sweden” AND “Healthcare”

“Personal health management” AND “Digital”

“Personal health management” AND “Human Wellness”

“Human remote monitoring” AND “Sweden”

“Human remote monitoring” AND “Human Wearables”

“Virtual care” AND “Sweden”

“Telehealth” AND “Sweden”

“Diagnostic” AND “Digital” AND “Sweden”

“Digital” AND “triage” AND “Sweden”

“Healthcare Analytics” AND “Sweden”

DATA COLLECTION

Academic search

Inclusion Criteria

Empirical studies, academic book sections, and literature reviews.

Articles with clear research questions/objectives on digital transformational efforts in the Swedish Health care industry.

Time period: from 2011 to 2023 (12 years).

Articles published in English.

Exclusion criteria

Conference proceedings, conceptual articles, and editorials are excluded.

Other industrial sectors excluded.

Publications before 2011 excluded.

Other languages excluded.

Results of data collection: The outcome of the journal searches yielded 761 sources to be analyzed further, as demonstrated in the next section.

Data selection

All 52 references were compiled digitally, independently reviewed by the main author, who selected articles for analysis. Criteria included alignment with the review’s scope and empirical research inclusion. This process identified 40 relevant journals published from 2011 to 2023, representing 21.7% of the initially identified 184 documents. Exclusion criteria were applied, eliminating articles whose research questions did not align or lacked empirical research, as depicted in Figure 4, illustrating the refinement process.

Fig. 4.

The systematic article selection process for this review.

Grey literature search

Supplementary sources

The search scope included reliable industry sources like the International Trade Administration U.S. Department of Commerce and Lexology, along with official newspapers affiliated with governmental bodies. These newspapers serve to disseminate information, promote official viewpoints, and communicate government policies. They are also platforms for legal notices and announcements. With a total of 12 supplementary sources reviewed, including insights from subject matter experts, the research article benefited from a comprehensive approach to gathering information from reputable sources.

Discussion

Thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings across literature in this systematic review, focusing on patient journey elements. The process involved coding, categorizing, and synthesizing themes from 52 articles, including 40 academic and 12 professional sources. Two researchers independently coded data, identifying notable statements aligned with research objectives. Themes emerged iteratively, grouped based on similarities. Themes were refined through team discussions to ensure coherence. Validation involved revisiting data to confirm significance. Table 2 illustrates article distribution across themes, aiding readers in understanding thematic analysis outcomes.

Table 2.

Mapping of Articles to Digital Transformation Themes

THEME	ACADEMIC ARTICLES (n = 40)	PROFESSIONAL ARTICLES (n = 12)
Theme 1: Personal health management and wellness	18, 19, 20, 23, 24	21, 22
Theme 2: Remote Monitoring	24, 25, 26
Theme 3: Surgery	24, 27, 28
Theme 4: Virtual care and Telehealth	24, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36
Theme 5: Diagnostics and Triage	24, 29, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41
Theme 6: Data and Analytics	18, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46	13
Theme 7: Blockchain	47, 48, 49
Theme 8: Patient Experience Challenges	29
Theme 9: Digitalization Impact from a Patient’s Perspective	1, 24, 29
Theme 10: Digitalization Risks	29	50
Theme 11: Comparative Analysts between Sweden and UAE Health Systems	29, 52, 53, 54, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61	8, 51, 55, 59
Theme 12: Digitalization Transformation Factors	60, 63, 64, 66, 68	62, 65, 67

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PERSONAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS

Digital innovation drives the growth of citizen services, offering more effective solutions and creating new value. This value includes enhanced efficiency, accessibility, and quality, along with the introduction of novel services. As Sweden’s aging population strains public service providers, digital solutions become imperative.¹²

Cocare involves self-care and shared decision-making with support from family, friends, and clinicians. Patients weigh options with assistance and doctors provide information for informed choices. Self-care, aided by close carers, predominates. In modern person-centered integrated care, patients are central, with practitioners supporting both them and close caregivers. The integration model coordinates stakeholders (patients, close caregivers, and practitioners), ensuring active involvement in decision-making and holistic care. It emphasizes integrating self-care, shared decision-making, and support from family and friends.¹⁸

Health care is shifting toward personalized, decentralized, and proactive services with a focus on prevention and holistic well-being, termed the wellness notion.¹⁹ The EU State of Health study underscores the need for a fundamental rethinking of European health care systems to enhance accessibility and quality.²⁰ Consequently, public spending on health and long-term care is expected to rise across EU member states.²¹

The Swedish health system prioritizes human dignity, solidarity, and cost-effectiveness for universal health care. Historical challenges include long wait times and disparities in care quality by region and socioeconomic status. Addressing provider access and reducing wait times remain crucial policy objectives. Recent reforms focus on consolidating hospital services, regionalizing care, enhancing coordination, expanding choice, competition, and privatization in primary care and pharmacy sectors, adjusting copayments, and improving quality and efficiency indicators, health care investments, and patient responsiveness.²²

Various digital health solutions in Sweden promote shared decision-making and self-care integration. These tools, including a privately developed symptom-tracking app for cystic fibrosis management, are created either independently or through public–private partnerships.²³

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN REMOTE MONITORING

Self-monitoring involves individuals recording and evaluating measurable health data, such as heart rate or weight, using digital or analog technology. These data, accessible to both the individual and health care providers, provide information about the individual’s health condition. Verification by medical specialists is necessary for inclusion in medical records. Three types include self-initiated, suggested, and prescribed self-monitoring, the latter being decided by medical experts who provide necessary tools and oversee measurements. Effective for heart failure patients in Sweden, this approach aids in early detection of deviations and supports clinical decision-making.²⁴

Virtual care’s expansion across health care and education is positively received by users. As technology evolves, virtual care’s availability and acceptability may increase. Advancements in virtual reality and videoconferencing tools aim to enhance user experiences for patients and health care professionals.²⁵

Pill-box digital devices, such as “smart pills,” aid patient adherence by sending alerts if doses are missed. Hospitals utilize quality improvement techniques, like patient pathways, to optimize patient flow. Radio frequency identification and sensors track patient location for flow enhancement. Data is integrated into management dashboards for performance improvement. Patient adherence ensures effective treatment by following prescribed medication regimens, which is crucial for managing health conditions. Smart pills provide reminders, vital for adherence.²³

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SURGERY

Digital technology enhances laparoscopic surgery for gallbladder and other keyhole procedures, including simulation systems, the da Vinci system for precision, and tele-surgery.²³ Sweden integrates augmented reality and virtual reality for surgical training, enabling 3D visualization and simulated practice.²⁶ AI analyzes medical imaging and aids in surgery, with AI-powered robots enhancing precision and recovery.²⁷ These technologies transform surgery, offering safer, more precise, and minimally invasive procedures with improved outcomes in Sweden.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN VIRTUAL CARE AND TELEHEALTH

Consumers have long accessed medical advice through toll-free hotlines, while digitalization expands preventative and self-care options. Patients can now monitor health and take preventive actions through health care apps, with advice available when direct consultation is not needed or feasible.²⁸ Virtual health rooms in Sweden offer teleconsultations and self-administered tests, remotely connected to patients’ electronic health records. These rooms are tested in rural areas. In addition, Sweden’s stroke ambulance services provide on-the-spot treatment and telemedicine links to emergency physicians, ensuring prompt and specialized care for stroke patients.²³

e-Health adoption promises to revolutionize health care delivery, shifting from hospital-centric to community-integrated systems. Its benefits include enhancing continuity of care, promoting health, and facilitating transitions to people-centered care models.²⁹

Research explores the concept of “virtual health rooms” and the adoption of digital care in remote areas of Sweden. It reveals optimism toward eHealth, anticipating improved care quality, cost savings, and enhanced self-care among seniors.³⁰ However, concerns persist regarding potential cost escalation, overutilization, and compromised care quality. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote patient management strategies to minimize viral transmission.³¹

In-person and remote physician encounters were analyzed, including phone, video, and asynchronous chats. They differentiated between remote contacts with on-demand telemedicine providers and traditional providers such as primary health care and hospital emergency rooms. Telemedicine services were offered by private companies such as Kry, Capio Go, Min Doktor, Doktor.se, Doktor 24, Medicoo, and Accumbo.³²

Direct-to-consumer telemedicine usage tends to be driven by factors not necessarily related to greater health care needs, raising equity concerns. Policymakers aiming to expand telemedicine consultations should implement access-promoting measures for older adults and immigrants to ensure equitable health care access across all demographics.³³

In a study, users reported positive experiences with telemedicine consultations, finding them satisfactory for their medical needs. They appreciated the accessibility, time savings, and ecological benefits. Users felt confident in choosing telemedicine, particularly for less serious health concerns.³⁴

Primary care physicians adapted their evaluation methods with video consultations. This required enhanced patient engagement, virtual examination skills, and consulting abilities due to limited information flow. Integrating virtual and traditional primary care could alleviate individual doctor workload while maintaining medical competence. However, concerns arose about medical prioritization with widespread availability of video consultations.³⁵

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN DIAGNOSTICS AND TRIAGE

E-triage significantly decreased the risk of blindness, matching patients with specialists more precisely, reducing median wait times from 14 to 4 weeks. E-Referral in rheumatology improved patient triage and facilitated doctor-to-doctor communication through electronic medical records. AI tools analyzing patients’ speech aid in triaging mental illnesses, such as incipient psychosis, making e-triage valuable in identifying early indicators.²⁸

There is a widespread use of triage strategies in Swedish emergency departments. While the Rapid Triage and Treatment System (RETTS) is commonly used, variations in time frames for each triage level preclude it from being a single scale. National guidelines on triage scale selection and education can address this issue.³⁶

Implementing fast track for less severe symptoms results in shorter wait times, longer stays, and fewer patients leaving without being seen.³⁷ The western part of Sweden’s emergency medical services (EMS) has utilized the RETTS for Pediatrics (RETTS-p) since 2014. It evaluates RETTS-p performance in EMS and its agreement with hospital diagnoses.³⁸

EMS nurses in Sweden must decide whether patients should go to the ED due to limited primary care access. They examined patient characteristics, initial assessment, ambulance triage system usage, and nontransport decision rationale. Findings suggest that age, gender, medical history, and presentation mode influence EMS assessments. Some patients evaluated and brought to the ED in ALS ambulances could potentially be managed by a doctor with lower level care and different transportation methods.³⁹

In Sweden, a computerized tablet aids in assessing chest discomfort, asking questions, evaluating heart attack risk, and providing likely diagnoses and medical histories, expediting diagnosis and improving accuracy. In addition, the system utilizes machine learning algorithms on patient diagnosis data to enhance prediction and diagnosis, incorporating information on patients' subsequent health.²³

Evidence indicates a significant rise in general practice workload, prompting a proposed solution involving health care digitalization and AI. While many investigated systems seem immature with modest benefits, key design and implementation characteristics for online triage tools in primary care were identified. Users with access to traditional health care should avoid current online triage systems. Their usage should be rigorously assessed and regulated, akin to other medical products.⁴⁰

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN DATA AND ANALYTICS

Ensuring accessibility of health data using the Swedish National Data Portal dataportal.se facilitates repurposing for various stakeholders. Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) provide unrestricted access to agency data. A live data dashboard aids interpretation. The Leap for Life project established a comprehensive data warehouse, aggregating real-time data from regional health care, including financial, Human Resources, laboratory, radiology, and EHR data. This integration improves insight extraction, aiding in the planning and delivery of health care services. AI implementation funded by Vinnova aims to enhance information-driven care, with AI Sweden leading in collaboration with health care and academic partners like Region Halland and Karolinska University Hospital.¹³

In recent years, digitalization has rapidly gained traction in the industrial sector. It involves leveraging digital technologies to enhance operations, functions, processes, or activities.⁴¹ This technological shift is swiftly reshaping the global landscape, introducing new goods and services to meet the evolving needs of a growing population. In the face of overwhelming data volume and speed, cloud technology enables digital transformation. AI and machine learning further bolster this transformation using algorithms to create predictive and simulation models, surpassing human limitations in decision-making.⁴²

This study aimed to assess the current state of data analytics readiness in the Swedish industry and determine areas of focus. The study’s objective was to gauge readiness levels based on survey responses and understand the adoption and utilization of data analytics in Swedish industry, rather than aiming to perfectly represent the entire target demographic, which is challenging to achieve.⁴³

Data analytics empowers companies with precise predictive and prescriptive insights, essential for informed decision-making by management.⁴⁴ Using participatory design methods, the work aims to enhance the usability, effectiveness, and trust of digital health care support services. It also highlights how interaction designers can contribute to health care advancement.¹²

The study examines potential revenue streams for big data solutions in the Swedish health care system. It indicates that the current state of the system does not favor the adoption of such solutions for profit. However, with modifications, future revenue generation may be possible. Significant obstacles identified include a lack of expertise, data protection laws, funding issues, and disorganized data. Collaboration between public and commercial sectors could overcome these hurdles, potentially leading to health care system reform and improved standards of care in Sweden.⁴⁵

BLOCKCHAIN USE IN SWEDISH HEALTH CARE

Blockchain technology, increasingly popular across industries, holds promise for health care, including in Sweden. It offers opportunities to enhance data security, interoperability, and patient control over health information. Its immutable and decentralized nature improves data security by reducing the risk of tampering or breaches. With medical records stored in a transparent, tamper-resistant distributed ledger, sharing patient data across platforms becomes safer and more efficient, potentially streamlining medical procedures and improving continuity of care.⁴⁶

Blockchain technology empowers patients with control over their health data, enabling selective access for medical professionals or researchers. This ensures transparency and consent in data sharing, enhancing individuals’ control over their health information management. In addition, blockchain’s traceability can combat counterfeit drugs by tracking medications and verifying prescriptions. Its secure data sharing capabilities may facilitate collaborative research projects and health care innovation in Sweden.⁴⁷

Implementing blockchain in Swedish health care poses significant challenges despite its potential benefits. Addressing regulatory compliance, standardizing protocols, scalability, and data protection are crucial hurdles. Nonetheless, ongoing trials and projects in Sweden reflect a growing interest in leveraging blockchain to improve the health care system’s effectiveness, safety, and patient-centeredness.⁴⁸

CHALLENGES IN THE SWEDISH PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Sweden faces challenges in waiting times, quality of care, doctor-patient interaction time, and patient understanding of treatments compared with similar nations. Particularly, its senior population often experiences prolonged wait times for care. Continuity issues in the health care system led to limited access to doctors for many patients. Accessibility problems, including long travel distances for basic and specialized care, disproportionately affect rural or sparsely populated areas, raising concerns about equitable access to medical attention. Patients with chronic illnesses feel they lack sufficient information and involvement in their care.²⁸

IMPACT OF SWEDISH HEALTH CARE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION—A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Digitalization empowers patients, broadening health care access and enhancing care provision. While offering numerous benefits, digitalization also raises patient concerns when issues arise. It affects various aspects, including patient communications and workflow. By fostering patient awareness, digitalization has the potential to reduce long-standing imbalances between patients and medical providers. Social networks and community-based programs enable patients, even those with rare illnesses, to connect globally with others sharing similar symptoms and experiences. Digital technologies grant patients greater control over their health, offering new avenues for preventive treatment.²⁸

Internet research or using digital health tools is vital for patients to make informed health decisions. Patients are increasingly taking on the role of “health service consumers,” prioritizing control over their health management. This shift will shape the health care sector, driven by consumer demands for personalized, convenient, fast, and immediate services. Adoption of new digital technologies will enhance employee productivity, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in health care units, driving digitalization with significant positive impacts on patients and the health care system infrastructure.¹

POSITIVE IMPACT: DEMOCRATIZATION OF HEALTH CARE

Digitalization has significantly transformed all aspects of treatment in Sweden, shifting influence toward patients rather than physicians. Through digital platforms, patients can access services and engage in user-friendly communication channels. Although the concept of patient engagement is relatively new and contentious, patients now have the ability to request treatments and explore different providers. Those with chronic illnesses may emerge as “lead patients,” possessing greater awareness of their health care needs compared to professionals in other specialties. Overall, digitalization equips individuals with chronic diseases to take greater control of their health.²⁸

POSITIVE IMPACT: BETTER KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Physicians can easily share therapeutic expertise with colleagues.²⁸ In some Swedish health institutions, primary care physicians can access their patients’ current medical information on computer displays. Patient lists include latest blood pressure and glucose levels for easy follow-up. Social workers or nurses visiting patients at home can access basic information and receive alerts on mobile tablets or phones for necessary tasks or assistance.²³

POSITIVE IMPACT: ENHANCED CARE MANAGEMENT

Care management involves coordinating multiple caregivers needed by a patient at different times. It includes assessing the patient’s needs, planning care with treatment goals, and ideally involving the patient and close caregivers. Access to an integrated digital health system simplifies needs assessment, goal planning, monitoring, and visit coordination for patients and authorized providers.²³ While traditionally driven by businesses and academic institutions, patient-driven innovation is emerging in some fields, often spurred by frustration with unmet support from health experts, ultimately enhancing care management.²⁸

RISKS OF DIGITALIZATION IN HEALTH CARE

Technology has benefits but also recognizes several associated risks. Older adults in Sweden often lack access to digital services due to a lack of computer or internet connection. Patient empowerment might lead to inaccurate diagnoses and negative outcomes, a concern primarily voiced by the medical community. Some patients may withhold information from their physicians to avoid being labeled as “troublesome.” While technology offers advancements like remote blood analysis, it also raises unrealistic expectations. Barriers to health care access led individuals to seek costly emergency care, posing risks to those truly in need. Patients attempting to manipulate the system risk uncovering telemedicine appointment criteria. Digital health care offers convenience, but may lead to inadequate support if symptoms are downplayed or exaggerated. Variations in patient preferences impact their interactions with the health care system.²⁸

The digital health field is dynamic and innovative, revolutionizing health care with broad appeal. Sweden’s thriving digital health scene was highlighted, featuring numerous vendors across wellness, digital therapy, disease management, data tracking, HealthTech support, remote consultations, detection, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.⁴⁹

WHY SWEDEN AS A BENCHMARK FOR THE UAE?

The Swedish health care system serves as a benchmark for the UAE health care system due to several key reasons. First, Sweden’s commitment to universal health care coverage aligns with the UAE’s goal of ensuring health care access for all residents. Second, Sweden is renowned for the high quality of care it provides, including well-trained professionals, modern facilities, and advanced medical technologies, setting a standard for the UAE to aspire to. In addition, Sweden’s efficient health care delivery, emphasis on preventive care, and effective resource allocation offer valuable lessons for the UAE to optimize its own health care system. Moreover, Sweden’s impressive health outcomes and focus on innovation and research provide valuable insights for the UAE to improve health outcomes and stay at the forefront of medical advancements. While acknowledging differences in demographics and infrastructure, the UAE can learn and adapt strategies from the Swedish model to enhance its own health care delivery and achieve its health care objectives.

UAE'S CENTENNIAL 2071 ‘HEALTHCARE’ PROJECT

The UAE’s Centennial 2071 project aims for global excellence, requiring a top-notch health care system with objectives like quality care, digital access, and medical tourism. Collaborations with global brands have boosted standards, but challenges to competitiveness persist. Recommendations include unified strategies and improving quality and competitiveness. The UAE invests heavily in life sciences and digital health, with significant progress shown through collaborations and research investments. Future plans involve a national life sciences strategy, regulatory reforms, and talent development. Embracing telemedicine, AI, and cloud technology is vital, requiring regulatory support. Talent attraction and retention are crucial, needing investments in education and centers of excellence. The 2071 health care vision prioritizes technology and innovation, aiming to position the UAE as a global leader. In addition, the UAE’s initiatives draw from Sweden’s model, informing their strategy. This article will compare the health care systems of Sweden and the UAE, analyzing key differences for decision-making.⁵⁰

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS OF SWEDEN AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Sweden’s health care system serves as a prime example of universal accessibility, with publicly funded services ensuring that health care is available to all residents regardless of financial status or nationality. Financed primarily through taxes, this framework ensures widespread availability of health care services.⁵¹ In contrast, the UAE employs a dual system comprising both public and private sectors. Government-funded health care is accessible to citizens and expatriates working in the public sector at minimal expense, whereas private health care caters more to expatriates and individuals able to afford premium services.⁵² Sweden is renowned for its high-quality health care, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and patient-centered care, leading to consistently high rankings in health care outcomes, patient satisfaction, and life expectancy.⁸ Despite substantial investments in health care infrastructure and services in the UAE, discrepancies in access and quality may exist among different emirates and health care facilities.⁵³

Sweden primarily funds health care through taxes, ensuring equal access without private insurance requirements. Private insurance may cover additional services not included in the public system.⁵⁴ In contrast, the UAE provides subsidized or free health care for citizens in public facilities, whereas expatriates often rely on private insurance from employers or purchase independently, especially for private sector services.⁵⁵ Sweden prioritizes primary care, facilitated by primary health care centers, with specialist referrals managed by primary care physicians.⁵⁶ The UAE offers both primary and specialty care through a mix of public and private clinics and hospitals, although specialist access may depend on insurance coverage and referral procedures.⁵⁷ Health care in Sweden is mainly tax funded, resulting in low out-of-pocket expenses, but some services or medications may incur additional costs.⁵⁸ The UAE provides subsidized health care, but expatriates may face higher out-of-pocket expenses, especially for private health care or uncovered treatments.⁵⁹ Sweden excels in health care technology, focusing on digitalization, telemedicine, and electronic health records.²⁸ The UAE also invests in advanced medical equipment and facilities, attracting medical tourists.⁶⁰ In summary, Sweden offers universal health care funded by taxes, ensuring equal access and quality care, while the UAE blends public and private sectors, providing quality care with variations in access and costs, particularly for expatriates.

DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS BETWEEN SWEDEN AND UAE

The first factor is health care infrastructure. Sweden boasts a well-established system developed over decades, featuring strong primary care, universal coverage, and preventive care emphasis.⁶¹ Conversely, the UAE, while investing substantially in health care infrastructure, may need additional time and resources to match Sweden’s standards.⁶² The second factor concerns funding and resources. Sweden allocates a significant portion of its GDP to health care, supported by a tax-funded system ensuring universal coverage. However, the UAE may encounter challenges in allocating similar levels of resources due to competing priorities and economic factors.⁶³ Third, the health care workforce is crucial. While the UAE invests in education and training, achieving the expertise of Sweden’s workforce may take time.⁶⁴ Fourth, policy and governance differ between the two countries, necessitating careful planning and potentially legislative changes to align with Sweden’s model.⁶⁵ Fifth, public expectations and preferences vary, requiring a nuanced approach to adapting health care services to suit the UAE while integrating best practices from Sweden.⁵⁹ Geopolitical considerations, as the sixth factor, may shape health care policies differently in the UAE compared with Sweden due to regional dynamics and international relations.⁶⁶ Finally, historical context plays a crucial role. Sweden’s health care system evolved over decades, influenced by its historical, political, and social context. Replicating this evolution in the UAE requires considering its unique historical trajectory and current circumstances.⁶⁷ In conclusion, while the UAE can draw inspiration from Sweden, achieving similar health care development entails addressing specific factors unique to its context, adapting changes to suit its needs, resources, and circumstances.

Theoretical and Managerial Implications

This study examines digitalization initiatives in Sweden’s health care sector, focusing on their positive impacts on patient care methods. These initiatives include adopting electronic health care systems, developing digital tools for patient care, and integrating technology into clinical services. The research investigates how these initiatives enable greater patient involvement in treatment, transforming care delivery methods.⁵

Studying digitalization across the patient journey is crucial due to its multifaceted importance in modern health care. This importance encompasses various dimensions like improved patient care, enhanced efficiency, innovation opportunities, historical context, and government investments. Recognizing this multifaceted importance involves understanding diverse factors shaping the subject matter. In addition, modern relevance emphasizes studying digitalization in today’s health care landscape, highlighting its direct impact on patient journeys and health care systems. Expert opinions and peer-reviewed studies have increased research focus on Sweden’s rapid adoption of electronic health care systems. This trend prompts exploration of new research paths, challenging traditional notions about digitizing patient experiences. Digitizing patient experiences involves integrating digital technologies into health care systems to enhance patient involvement and care quality. By studying Sweden’s approach, researchers gain insights into digital transformation in health care and its potential to improve patient care. Overall, digitalizing patient experiences aims to make health care more efficient, accessible, and patient-centered.⁶⁸

Conclusions and Future Areas of Research

Our literature review outlines challenges in Swedish health care, including access to care, quality, doctor–patient time, treatment comprehension, and care continuity.²³ Various digital health initiatives in Sweden, such as personal health management, remote monitoring, and virtual care, aim to enhance patient engagement. Despite progress, risks like emerging technology, demographics, and budget constraints persist, emphasizing the need for proactive planning. The UAE cannot directly replicate Sweden’s approach due to cultural, infrastructural, and geopolitical differences. Our review, following reporting guidelines, lays groundwork for addressing these challenges.⁶⁹ Future research should focus on technical, legal, and patient safety issues in digital health care implementation, informing regulators and policymakers.⁷⁰ In addition, integrating self-monitoring systems with medical records requires further study for seamless data transfer.²⁴

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

The authors express their gratitude to all those who contributed to the completion of this research article. The authors also acknowledge the contributions of the reviewers and editors, whose feedback and suggestions have greatly improved the quality of this article.

Authors’ Contributions

This statement outlines the specific contributions of each author involved in the research article, adhering to the CRediT guidelines for transparency and accountability in research contributions. Conceptualization: Inas Al Khatib. Methodology: Junu Jahana Chembakath. Investigation: Inas Al Khatib. Writing-Original Draft Preparation: Inas Al Khatib and Junu Jahana Chembakath. Writing-Review & Editing: Malick Ndiaye. Visualization: Inas Al Khatib. Supervision: Malick Ndiaye. Project Administration: Inas Al Khatib. Funding Acquisition: Not Applicable.

Author Disclosure Statement

None of the authors of this article have reported any conflicts of interest.

Funding Information

Not applicable; this research article did not receive any funding.

References

Stoumpos

, Kitsios

, Talias

. Digital transformation in healthcare: Technology acceptance and its applications. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2023; 20(4):1–45; doi: 10.3390/ijerph20043407

Alowais

, Alghamdi

, Alsuhebany

, et al. Revolutionizing healthcare: The role of artificial intelligence in clinical practice. BMC Med Educ, 2023; 23(1):689; doi: 10.1186/s12909-023-04698-z

Guze

. Using technology to meet the challenges of medical education. Trans Am Clin Climatol Assoc, 2015; 126:260–270.

OJEC. Regulations. Official Journal of the European Union: Aberdeen; 2021.

Kasoju

, Remya

, Sasi

, et al. Digital health: Trends, opportunities and challenges in medical devices, pharma and bio-technology. CSIT, 2023; 11(1):11–30; doi: 10.1007/s40012-023-00380-3

Advokatbyra

CAB

. In brief: Digital healthcare in Sweden. Lexology, 20226, https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e3094582-3810-4794-aaac-24328a373937

Bergman

, Hammar

. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of a web-based application for using the new National Medication List in Sweden. Digit Health, 2023; 9:20552076231171966–20552076231171912; doi: 10.1177/20552076231171966

Berchet

, Forde

, Fujisawa

, et al. Caring for Quality in Health Lessons Learnt from 15 Reviews of Health Care Quality. OECD. 2017.

Gualandi

, Masella

, Viglione

, et al. Exploring the hospital patient journey: What does the patient experience? PLoS ONE, 2019; 14(12):e0224899; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224899

10.

International Trade Administration U.S. Department of Commerce. Sweden Digital Healthcare Services Market Overview. International Trade Administration U.S. Department of Commerce: Washington DC; 2022.

11.

Statistics Inc. Digital Health—Sweden. Statista Market Insights: New York; 2023.

12.

Emilsson

. How Sweden uses data and AI to improve the health of citizens. Medium. 2024. Available from: https://medium.com/digital-states/how-sweden-uses-data-and-ai-to-improve-the-health-of-citizens-416c4c80705b [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

13.

Rosenlund

, Kinnunen

U-M

, Saranto

. The use of digital health services among patients and citizens living at home: Scoping review. J Med Internet Res, 2023; 25:e44711; doi: 10.2196/44711

14.

Adams

, Smart

, Huff

. Shades of grey: Guidelines for working with the grey literature in systematic reviews for management and organizational studies. Int J Management Reviews, 2016; 19(4):432–454; doi: 10.1111/ijmr.12102

15.

Page

, McKenzie

, Bossuyt

, et al. The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. Int J Surg, 2021; 88:105906; doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2021.105906

16.

Page

, McKenzie

, Bossuyt

, et al. PRISMA 2020 explanation and elaboration: Updated guidance and exemplars for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 2021; 372(160):n160; doi: 10.1136/bmj.n71

17.

Grauers

. Digital innovation through the use of participatory design in the development of Swedish public healthcare support services. MAU.DIVA. 2024. Available from: http://mau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1591100/FULLTEXT02.pdf [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

18.

Elwyn

, Frosch

, Thomson

, et al. Shared decision making: A model for clinical practice. J Gen Intern Med, 2012; 27(10):1361–1367; doi: 10.1007/s11606-012-2077-6

19.

Seppälä

, Nykänen

, Ruotsalainen

. Privacy-related context information for ubiquitous health. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth, 2014; 2(1):e12; doi: 10.2196/mhealth.3123

20.

Office of the European Union. The State Of Health In The EU: Companion Report. Office of the European Union: Luxembourg; 2017.

21.

Office of the European Union. Joint Report By The Commission Services And The Economic Policy Committee On Health Care And Long-Term Care Systems And Fiscal Sustainability. Office of the European Union: Stockholm; 2016.

22.

Anell

, Glenngard

, Merkur

. Sweden: Health system review. Health Syst Transit, 2012; 25(4):1–236.

23.

Øvretveit

. Digitalization of health in Sweden to benefit patients. In: Digital Transformation and Public Services. Routledge: Stockholm; 2019; pp. 83-96.

24.

Wessen

. Digitalization of healthcare for heart failure patients in Sweden: An analysis of the opportunities and restrictions in the implementation of self-monitoring systems for heart failure patients in sweden. KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm; 2022.

25.

, Borycki

, Kushniruk

. Connecting the world of healthcare virtually: A scoping review on virtual care delivery. Healthcare (Basel), 2021; 9(10):1–27; doi: 10.3390/healthcare9101325

26.

McKnight

, Pean

, Buck

, et al. Virtual reality and augmented reality—Translating surgical training into surgical technique. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 2020; 13(6):663–674; doi: 10.1007/s12178-020-09667-3

27.

Hashimoto

, Rosman

, Rus

, et al. Artificial intelligence in surgery: Promises and Perils. Ann Surg, 2018; 268(1):70–76; doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000002693

28.

Blix

, Levay

. Digitalization and Health Care - A Report to the Swedish Government’s Expert Group on Public Economics. The Expert Group on Public Economics: Stockholm; 2018.

29.

Valokivi

, Carlo

, Kvist

, et al. Digital ageing in Europe: A comparative analysis of Italian, Finnish and Swedish national policies on eHealth. Ageing & Society, 2023; 43(4):835–856; doi: 10.1017/S0144686X21000945

30.

Lindberg

, Carlsson

. Digitala vårdlandskap: Kritiska reflektioner om e-hälsa i glesbygden. Socialmedicinsk Tidskrift, 2018; 95(1):62–69.

31.

Greenhalgh

, Wherton

, Shaw

, et al. Video consultations for Covid-19. BMJ, 2020; 368:m998; doi: 10.1136/bmj.m998

32.

Milos Nymberg

, Ellegard

, Kjellsson

, et al. Trends in remote health care consumption in Sweden: Comparison before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. JMIR Hum Factors, 2022; 9(1):e33034; doi: 10.2196/33034

33.

Dahlgren

, Dackehag

, Wändell

, et al. Determinants for use of direct-to-consumer telemedicine consultations in primary healthcare—A registry based total population study from Stockholm, Sweden. BMC Fam Pract, 2021; 22(1):133; doi: 10.1186/s12875-021-01481-1

34.

Gabrielsson-Järhult

, Kjellström

, Josefsson

. Telemedicine consultations with physicians in Swedish primary care: A mixed methods study of users’ experiences and care patterns. Scand J Prim Health Care, 2021; 39(2):204–213; doi: 10.1080/02813432.2021.1913904

35.

Björndell

, Premberg

. Physicians’ experiences of video consultation with patients at a public virtual primary care clinic: A qualitative interview study. Scand J Prim Health Care, 2021; 39(1):67–76; doi: 10.1080/02813432.2021.1882082

36.

Wireklint

, Elmqvist

, Göransson

. An updated national survey of triage and triage related work in Sweden: A cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2021; 29(1):89; doi: 10.1186/s13049-021-00905-2

37.

Oredsson

, Jonsson

, Rognes

, et al. A systematic review of triage-related interventions to improve patient flow in emergency departments. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2011; 19(1):43; doi: 10.1186/1757-7241-19-43

38.

Magnusson

, Herlitz

JKT

, Jiménez-Herrera

, et al. The performance of the EMS triage (RETTS-p) and the agreement between the field assessment and final hospital diagnosis: A prospective observational study among children < 16 years. BMC Pediatr, 2019; 19(1); doi: 10.1186/s12887-019-1857-0

39.

Magnusson

, Herlitz

, Axelsson

. Patient characteristics, triage utilisation, level of care, and outcomes in an unselected adult patient population seen by the emergency medical services: A prospective observational study. BMC Emerg Med, 2020; 20(1):7; doi: 10.1186/s12873-020-0302-x

40.

Gottliebsen

, Petersson

. Limited evidence of benefits of patient operated intelligent primary care triage tools: Findings of a literature review. BMJ Health Care Inform, 2020; 27(1):e100114; doi: 10.1136/bmjhci-2019-100114

41.

Babiceanu

, Seker

. Big data and virtualization for manufacturing cyber-physical systems: A survey of the current status and future outlook. Comput Ind, 2016; 81:128–137; doi: 10.1016/j.compind.2016.02.004

42.

Pelser

, Gaffley

. Implications of digital transformation on the strategy development process for business leaders. In. Promoting Inclusive Growth in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. ( Buckley

. ed.) IGI Global; 2020; pp.1-43.

43.

Gürdür

, El-Khoury

, Törngren

. Digitalizing Swedish industry: What is next? Data analytics readiness assessment of Swedish industry, according to survey results. Comput Ind, 2019; 105:153–163; doi: 10.1016/j.compind.2018.12.011

44.

Gürdür Broo

. Making Interoperability Visible: A Novel Approach To Understand Interoperability In Cyber-Physical Systems Toolchains. KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm; 2016.

45.

Jonsson

, Mazomba

. Revenue generation in data-driven healthcare: An exploratory study of how big data solutions can be integrated into the Swedish healthcare system. UMU.DIVA; 2024. Available from: http://umu.diva-portal.org/smash/g [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

46.

Abu-Elezz

, Hassan

, Nazeemudeen

, et al. The benefits and threats of blockchain technology in healthcare: A scoping review. Int J Med Inform, 2020; 142:104246–104249; doi: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104246

47.

Elvas

, Serrão

, Ferreira

. Sharing health information using a blockchain. Healthcare (Basel), 2023; 11(2):1–14; doi: 10.3390/healthcare11020170

48.

Snihs

, Paulsrud

. Blockchain Technology in the Health Data Ecosystem. KTH Royal Institute of Technology: Stockholm; 2019.

49.

MSC Nordics. Swedish digital health 2022: Unique list of promising companies. MSC Nordics. 2022. Available from: https://mscnordics.com/swedish-digital-health-2022-unique-list-of-promising-companies/ [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

50.

Tithecott

. UAE health 2071: The future of healthcare. Tamimi. n.d. Available from: https://www.tamimi.com/law-update-articles/uae-health-2071-the-future-of-healthcare/ [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

51.

Tikkanen

, Osborn

, Mossialos

, et al. International health care system profiles: Sweden. Commonwealthfund. 2020. Available from: https://www.commonwealthfund.org/international-health-policy-center/countries/sweden [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

52.

Taha

, Amer

, Blair

. Financing health care in the United Arab Emirates. World Hosp Health Serv, 2013; 49(2):33–39.

53.

Koornneef

, Robben

, Blair

. Progress and outcomes of health systems reform in the United Arab Emirates: A systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res, 2017; 17(1):672–613; doi: 10.1186/s12913-017-2597-1

54.

Anell

, Glenngård

, Merkur

. Sweden: Health System Review. World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. 2012.

55.

Rafeea

, Al-Shami

, Alkaabi

, et al. Healthcare industry challenges and potential opportunities in the UAE. A Review Paper. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 2021; 20(2S):1–9.

56.

Anell

. Choice and privatisation in Swedish primary care. Health Econ Policy Law, 2011; 6(4):549–569; doi: 10.1017/S1744133110000216

57.

Al-Ramlawi

. Strategies of improvement of access to quality primary healthcare in the United Arab Emirates: Lessons to learn. SMedJour, 2023; 6(2):99–107; doi: 10.13057/smj.v6i1.74287

58.

Savedoff

. Tax-Based Financing for Health Systems: Options and Experiences. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2004.

59.

Koornneef

, Robben

, Al Seiari

, et al. Health system reform in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Health Policy, 2012; 108(2-3):115–121; doi: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.08.026

60.

Sharfi

. The GCC and Global Health Diplomacy: The new drive towards artificial intelligence. In: Artificial Intelligence in the Gulf. ( Azar

, Haddad

., eds.) Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan; 2021. pp. 117–139.

61.

Directorate General for Research. Health Care Systems in the EU - A Comparitive Study. Luxembourg: European Parliament; 1998.

62.

Sharif

, Blair

, Taha

, et al. Health systems in the United Arab Emirates: Progression, challenges and future directions. IJBHR, 2013; 4(3/4):270–282; doi: 10.1504/IJBHR.2013.058859

63.

Diderichsen

. Market reforms in health care and sustainability of the welfare state: Lessons from Sweden. Health Policy, 1995; 32(1-3):141–153; doi: 10.1016/0168-8510(95)00732-8

64.

Health Workforce Department. Global strategy on human resources for health: Workforce 2030. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016.

65.

El-Jardali

, Fadlallah

, Daouk

, et al. Barriers and facilitators to implementation of essential health benefits package within primary health care settings in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Int J Health Plann Manage, 2019; 34(1):15–41; doi: 10.1002/hpm.2625

66.

Rohparwar

. The Geopolitics of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 2020. Available from: https://thegeopolity.com/2020/10/15/the-geopolitics-of-the-united-arab-emirates-uae/ [Last accessed: April 16, 2024 ].

67.

Irwin

. Sweden’s engagement in global health: A historical review. Global Health, 2019; 15(1):79–15; doi: 10.1186/s12992-019-0499-1

68.

Thraen

. Theoretical and managerial implications. In: Mastering Innovation in China. Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden; 2016; pp. 139–149.

69.

Ekman

, Thulesius

, Wilkens

, et al. Digitalization of health care: Findings from key informant interviews in Sweden on technical, regulatory, and patient safety aspects. J Med Internet Res, 2022; 24(9):e38746–8; doi: 10.2196/38746

70.

Butcher

, Hussain

. Digital healthcare: The future. Future Healthc J, 2022; 9(2):113–117; doi: 10.7861/fhj.2022-0046

Benchmarking Sweden’s Digitalization Transformation Strategy—Is It a Good Fit for the UAE?

Abstract

Background:

Methods:

Results:

Conclusions:

Introduction

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

SWEDISH HEALTH CARE’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW LITERATURE AIM

METHODS

DATA COLLECTION

Academic search

Data selection

Grey literature search

Supplementary sources

Discussion

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN PERSONAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN REMOTE MONITORING

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN SURGERY

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN VIRTUAL CARE AND TELEHEALTH

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN DIAGNOSTICS AND TRIAGE

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN DATA AND ANALYTICS

BLOCKCHAIN USE IN SWEDISH HEALTH CARE

CHALLENGES IN THE SWEDISH PATIENT EXPERIENCE

IMPACT OF SWEDISH HEALTH CARE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION—A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

POSITIVE IMPACT: DEMOCRATIZATION OF HEALTH CARE

POSITIVE IMPACT: BETTER KNOWLEDGE SHARING

POSITIVE IMPACT: ENHANCED CARE MANAGEMENT

RISKS OF DIGITALIZATION IN HEALTH CARE

WHY SWEDEN AS A BENCHMARK FOR THE UAE?

UAE'S CENTENNIAL 2071 ‘HEALTHCARE’ PROJECT

COMPARISON BETWEEN THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS OF SWEDEN AND THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

DIFFERENTIATING FACTORS BETWEEN SWEDEN AND UAE

Theoretical and Managerial Implications

Conclusions and Future Areas of Research

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Authors’ Contributions

Author Disclosure Statement

Funding Information

References