To examine the role of energy infrastructure as a foundational enabler of digital health systems and to develop a conceptual–empirical model for integrating solar-powered energy solutions into digital health architectures in low-resource settings, emphasizing the significance of this integration.
Key Findings:
Unreliable energy supply disrupts digital health system performance, leading to system downtime and reliance on manual processes, with implications for patient care.
Facilities with stable energy sources, particularly solar-powered systems, showed improved system uptime and data continuity.
Offline-first system design combined with hybrid connectivity and reliable energy infrastructure can mitigate infrastructural constraints.
Interpretation:
Energy infrastructure is a critical determinant of the success of digital health systems in low-resource settings.
Limitations:
The study may not encompass all geographical variations in energy and digital health system interactions, and potential biases in case studies should be considered.
Findings are based on specific case studies and may not be generalizable to all low-resource settings.
Conclusion:
Addressing the Data–Power Paradox requires integrated approaches that align digital health investments with reliable energy solutions, highlighting the importance of stakeholder engagement.
