The University of Gondar, in collaboration with the FMoH and WHO, launched Digital Adaptation Kits and SMART Guidelines. Digital Adaptation Kits (DAKs) are part of the SMART guidelines initiative and include data and health content consistent with WHO’s recommendations, generically applicable to digital systems. DAKs guide the preparation stage in a specific area of health once a ministry of health agrees on a plan for investing in its digital health ecosystem. Each DAK includes practical components such as workflow processes, data dictionaries, and decision logic. These ensure a greater understanding of both the health information in WHO recommendations and the collaborative process necessary for digital implementation.
DAKs can also ensure trust. With the ever-increasing number of available digital tools, DAKs help implementers, software developers, and users feel confident that digital content is accurate and in line with WHO recommendations. DAKs were developed by the WHO, HRP, the UNFPA, JSI, and PATH. It is grounded in the quality of care and human rights. Digital adaptation kits, known as DAKs, are an important layer in the SMART Guidelines, WHO’s approach to guideline development, delivery, and application in the digital age.
DAKs are software-neutral, operational, and structured documentation based on WHO clinical, health system, and data use recommendations to systematically and transparently inform the design of digital systems. The DAKs for ANC was launched earlier this year, and the approach is being expanded to other health domains. The University of Gondar, in collaboration with the FMoH and WHO, launched these SMART guidelines. Discussions were held with decision makers, health workers, and digital health experts on operationalizing this!
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