DIGITAL HEALTH INNOVATIONS AND TRANSLATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH: BRIDGING EVIDENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND POPULATION HEALTH IMPACT

Abstract

Digital health technologies—including mobile health applications, telemedicine platforms, electronic health records, and artificial intelligence–driven analytics—have transformed the generation and use of public health data. Despite their rapid proliferation, significant gaps remain between digital health innovation and measurable population-level impact. Translational public health research offers a framework for understanding how digital health evidence can be effectively implemented, scaled, and sustained in real-world contexts. This study examines the role of digital health tools in translating public health evidence into practice, focusing on adoption, implementation, and outcomes. Using a mixed-methods design that integrates program data analysis with stakeholder interviews, the study demonstrates that digital health interventions improve access to services and health monitoring but face persistent challenges related to equity, governance, and integration into health systems. The findings highlight the importance of translational frameworks in ensuring that digital health innovations contribute meaningfully to public health goals.