Operationalizing Academic-Industry Partnerships to Advance Digital Health Equity: Lessons Learned

Abstract

Technological innovation can improve health care and population health. However, it is not often designed with public health systems and diverse patients in mind. In 2016, university faculty digital health experts established an innovation incubator in an academic setting based in a public health care system. The incubator conducted projects with a cohort of private technology companies and sparked cross-sector dialogue about digital health equity. The incubator completed rapid-cycle research and evaluation projects with industry and in partnership with publicly insured patients and public health care workers to improve the fit of technology with diverse user needs and preferences. Lessons learned include the importance of an explicit focus on equity, early alignment of expectations, broader investment and communications, and inclusive stakeholder relationships. Partnerships between the digital health industry and public health researchers can bridge the gap between technology offerings and the needs and preferences of publicly insured patients.