The Identification of Advantages and Deficiencies of Current Digital Health Science Popularization in China: A Qualitative Study in Yangtze River Delta Region

Abstract

Background. Health science popularization, especially digital health science popularization, is essential for development of the Healthy China Strategy. Current studies have focused on interpreting digital education popularization and confirming its positive function; however, reports regarding the limitations and shortcomings thereof are lacking. We aimed to research the current development of digital health science popularization in China, analyze the existing problems, and explore the methods to resolve these problems. Methods. We conducted a qualitative study by mixing in-depth interviews and grounded theory approaches. Participants were recruited according to the inclusion criteria via a snowballing process. Thirty-nine participants, including doctors, nurses, researchers, officers in government, and project leaders, were recruited from the Yangtze River Delta region. Online in-depth interviews with open questions were conducted, and the data were collected. Results. Our results revealed that digital health science popularization has the advantages of convenience, swiftness, friendliness, and social links. However, obvious deficiencies were also exposed, including low authenticity, limited audiences, a lack of manpower, and fragmentation. Conclusions. Current digital health science popularization needs to emphasize public welfare, promote the dissemination of information with professionalism and authority, cultivate cross-border talent, and develop institutional infrastructure to overcome the deficiencies thereof. This remains important to improve the quality and effectiveness of digital health science popularization.