Gaps in the Digital Transformation of Public Health in Latin America

Evelyn María Espina

doi:10.64923/ceniiac.e0004

Authors

Evelyn María Espina Universidad de las Ciencias de la Salud 'Hugo Chávez Frías' https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2570-1045

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64923/ceniiac.e0004

Keywords:

digital transformation, public health, health disparities, Latin America, digital health, bibliometric

Abstract

This bibliometric study systematically analyzes the evolution of research on digital transformation in public health in Latin America, identifying neglected areas and emerging trends. Based on an analysis of 576 documents retrieved from Scopus, the study examines the geographic distribution of scientific output, the main methodological approaches, and the predominant themes. The results reveal a steady growth in global scientific production, with Europe and Asia leading the field, while Latin America shows limited and uneven participation. Brazil stands out as the country with the highest number of publications, followed distantly by Argentina, Peru, and Mexico. Thematic analysis indicates that concepts such as “digital health” and “digital transformation” are central, whereas areas like “health information interoperability” and “digital health literacy” remain underexplored. The identified gaps highlight the need to strengthen scientific production in the region through collaboration policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks that promote equity in the adoption of health technologies. The study concludes that, despite the progress of research on digital transformation in public health, structural challenges persist and must be addressed to achieve effective integration of digitalization into Latin America’s health systems.

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Author Biography

Evelyn María Espina, Universidad de las Ciencias de la Salud 'Hugo Chávez Frías'

General practitioner from the Universidad de las Ciencias de la Salud 'Hugo Chávez Frías' in Venezuela. Email: espinaevelyn52@gmail.com

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