Overall, the Nordic countries are well on the way towards a socially sustainable region. The Nordic countries are similar societies regarding for example health care and levels of trust. This enables striving towards more integrated Nordic region: “For the Nordic Region, integration primarily means a shared Nordic identity, cohesive societies based on the same values, and mobility and freedom of movement within the region.” (NMC 2021) At the same time, demographic shift towards increasingly aging population puts pressure especially on health service delivery and sufficiency of health workforce.
Grounded on the sustainability goals by UN, according to the Nordic Vision 2030, the Nordic countries will become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. This means working together actively to ensure sustainable progress in any specific sector. Especially in health care sector sustainability of service delivery is supported with digital transformation. Regarding the level of integration between the Nordic countries, the aim is being achieved at different levels of society, starting with smooth services for any individual person in the Nordic countries and free movement across the Nordic borders.
For the purposes of this publication on digital health in the Nordic countries, the guiding framework was derived from the three strategic goals of the Nordic Vision 2030. Building on this framework, three key thematic areas central to digital health development were identified: digital infrastructure, the role of digitalisation in prevention, and approaches to inclusion (see sections 2–4). Relevant examples were selected for each theme to illustrate current progress and emerging practices. Subject-matter experts from across the Nordic countries were engaged to contribute concise papers, ensuring that the publication reflects both national perspectives and shared regional priorities.