The Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) is actively participating in the international Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme project ‘Digital Empowerment for Active and Healthy Living Environments in the Baltic Region’ (DEAHL BALTIC). The project’s main focus is on developing digital health literacy in order to improve the ability to use digital health solutions, reduce inequalities in healthcare, and promote more efficient delivery of health services in the region.
The project was launched in Hamburg, Germany, with a kick-off meeting that marked an important first step in cooperation between six Baltic Sea Region countries – Latvia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Poland. Latvia’s and Vidzeme’s interests were represented by the Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) in cooperation with the Strenči Psychiatric Hospital. On behalf of VPR, project expert Artūrs Pokšāns took part, joining partners in initiating the development of a collaboration platform to foster the advancement of digital health literacy in the region.
Digital Health Literacy and Its Importance
Digital health literacy refers to people’s ability to seek, understand, evaluate, and use health information and services through digital tools. It is becoming increasingly important – from the use of e-health services and management of health data to remote consultations and digital self-care solutions.
In the Baltic Sea region, society is aging rapidly, creating additional pressure on healthcare systems. Wider use of digital technologies can be part of the solution, but this is only possible if both citizens and healthcare professionals possess sufficient digital skills. Research shows that a lack of digital health literacy not only hinders the use of technologies but also increases inequality and reduces the quality of services.
Objectives and Activities of the DEAHL BALTIC Project
The aim of the project is to reduce inequalities in access to health information and services, improve communication between patients and professionals, and promote more efficient organization of healthcare through the use of digital tools.
The project foresees:
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developing training programmes for healthcare professionals and the public on digital health solutions;
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carrying out pilot projects in various countries, including Latvia, to test approaches that improve digital skills;
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creating policy recommendations for sustainable digital health development;
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fostering cross-border cooperation between healthcare institutions, municipalities, the education sector, and technology companies.
As A. Pokšāns emphasizes: “Enhancing digital health literacy will improve access to services, foster collaboration among professionals, and strengthen the efficiency and governance of the sector. Successful digitalization of healthcare is particularly important in the regions, where technological solutions can support the provision of higher-quality care and thus help achieve the goals of regional development programmes. The introduction of digital solutions is a way to ensure access to quality data, sustainable development, and the implementation of innovation.
Shared responsibility for the future of regional healthcare is especially important, as emphasized by project manager Lelde Ābele: ‘The involvement of the Vidzeme Planning Region in the DEAHL BALTIC project demonstrates a strong commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and future-oriented healthcare system, where technology serves people, not the other way around. This direction closely aligns with the region’s development priorities, promoting access to health and care services.”
The DEAHL BALTIC project is implemented with the support of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021–2027. Each partner contributes with its own experience and expertise, ensuring that solutions are adapted to the needs of different countries and regions. The project budget amounts to EUR 3,210,000.00.
