The Nordic region has the ambitious goal of become the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030. This calls for action to fulfil the established goals of becoming a socially sustainable Nordic region based on good health and well-being, gender equality and reduced inequality, in combination with a green Nordic region based on sustainable consumption and production, and combating climate change.
Achieving the Nordic Vision 2030 requires measures to promote a green transition in the Nordic countries, working towards achieving carbon neutrality, fostering green growth based on knowledge, innovation, mobility and digital integration, and enhancing social sustainability by ensuring good, equal and secure health and welfare for all. Distance spanning solutions in Nordic health care and care are closely aligned with this vision and each strategic priority.
The Nordic countries' initiative to transform the healthcare and care services is a testament to their commitment to addressing the significant challenges in the sector. The ongoing promotion of digitalised health care aims to ensure accessibility for all, especially those living in remote areas. The Nordic region's high level of digital maturity positions it as a leader in healthcare innovation. However, building and supporting digitally enabled, data-driven, integrated and sustainable health systems require a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social and economic implications of digital healthcare solutions on society.
Stakeholders need a broad perspective on sustainability
While a reduction in CO2 emissions and the saving of productive time are well-documented benefits, a narrow focus on these metrics alone will not be enough to achieve a sustainable transformation of the sector. A broader perspective is essential to understanding the implications of digital healthcare solutions on other environmental and socio-economic factors and their contributions to a green transition that is inclusive and sustainable. This includes ensuring sustainable livelihoods and access to health care services for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
The insights from the multi-stakeholder workshops that were held across the various model regions indicate a solid understanding among stakeholders of what sustainability means in their respective contexts. Beyond reducing the impacts of climate change, the stakeholders emphasised safe working conditions, cost-effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, inclusion and equality.
The SDG Synergies exercise revealed trade-offs and synergies concerning economic development, biodiversity, resource rights, consumption and production, and gender equality.
A holistic approach is needed
In conclusion, the Nordic Welfare Centre and its collaboration partners – the Centre for Rural Medicine – Region Västerbotten, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, the Finnish Environment Institute and the Stockholm Environment Institute – posit that distance spanning solutions could have a positive impact on CO2 emissions but also that transforming the healthcare sector in the Nordic countries through digitalisation requires a holistic approach that considers the environmental, social and economic dimensions.
The collaborative efforts and insights gained from the stakeholders across the region highlight the potential for digital healthcare solutions to make a significant contribution to the sustainable development goals, provided that trade-offs and synergies are carefully managed and addressed.
Continued research and stakeholder engagement will be crucial in advancing the objective of fostering a holistic perspective that considers the environmental, social and economic dimensions and ensuring that the benefits of digital health innovations are equitably distributed.