Higher student performance: Implementing a Digital Health Care service to Swedish universities

Abstract

Fluctuations in health conditions are widespread among university students in Sweden. It is well established in literature that at least students' mental health is not completely under control. The student health care is a type of support system within Swedish universities to increase university students' opportunities. This study aims to investigate how the current student health care in Swedish universities can be improved through digital health care, by examining Swedish university students’ needs and expectations for digital health care service. In this context, Capio Go will be used to exemplify the concept of digital health care and therefore, digital health care service is defined as the Capio Go solution in this research. With a qualitative research approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted to gain in-depth information from 12 students at different universities in Sweden, using thematic analysis. From the results, it was found that there are three major areas for improvement in today’s student health care which are (1) advertisements through information and communication about the service to the students, (2) current resources available at the student health care are not sufficient enough to support students, and (3) the student health care can be improved by a digital health care service which also means offering a variety of services, including options for students that are not yet available for them. The four following major needs for a digital health care service among Swedish university students were found; (1) Fast & Efficient health care, (2) To feel cured, (3) Tailored treatment, and (4) Professional treatment. Last but not least, the four following major expectations for a digital student health care service among Swedish university students were found: (1) General health care, (2) Competent & legitimized personnel, (3) Convenience and (4) Similar to alternative digital health care services. The findings indicate that there is evidence and potential for the student health care to be improved by introducing a digital health care service to the university students in Sweden.