The call for abstract submissions is open until September 1st. 

Session types are as follows:

• Solution Demonstration - This Abstract type will be for IN-PERSON presenters only. The solution demonstrations will showcase software and hardware innovations through and accompanying descriptions during the Forum. Videos will be accessible to all conference participants for the duration of the event and presenting organizations are encouraged to designate specific time slots for live interactions with participants. Presenters can also share digital assets, like fact sheets, brochures or other online materials to provide additional information about their solution. Only one presenter name is allowed with abstract submissions of this type.
• Individual Presentation - This Abstract type will be for IN-PERSON presenters only. Individual Presentations are 15-20 minute presentations accompanied by Q&A with session participants. Forum organizers will work to group individual presentations with other related submissions by thematic, geographic or technical area. Only one presenter name is allowed with Individual Presentation abstract submissions.
• Interactive Workshop - Interactive workshops will be 60 minutes and must be planned to engage participants in hands-on learning. The Interactive workshops will aim to highlight an important digital health topic combined with an activity to further participant understanding of the topic. Up to three presenter names are allowed with this type of abstract submission. If submitting an interactive workshop for the in-person conference, all presenters must be in-person. 
• Pre-Formed Panel Presentation - Pre-formed panels should include 3 presentations on the same topic, and the panel should last no longer than 60 minutes, including time for Q&A. Presenters will give a powerpoint presentation followed by guided Q&A. All pre-formed panels must also identify a moderator for the session. Pre-formed groups with interactive content should apply as an interactive workshop. Each presentation can have one presenter and one moderator, for a total of four presenters allowed with a Pre-formed Panel abstract submission. If submitting a pre-formed panel for the in-person conference, all presenters must be in-person. 
• Poster Presentation - This Abstract type will be for IN-PERSON presenters only. Posters will demonstrate successes or failures of digital health solutions.
• Lightning Talk - These quick 5-7 minute presentations given in a story-telling format, can highlight ideas, initiatives or results that engage participants. For the virtual conference these will be pre-recoded and played back; for in-venue abstracts it will be presented in person. Only one presenter name is allowed with abstract submissions for a lightning talk.

Evaluation Criteria 

1. Evaluation of the topic: Is the topic relevant/good? (50 percent weighting)

• From “Topic”:
  • Is the topic clearly articulated in the response?*
  • Does the submission describe how the topic improves health outcomes?*
  • Is the topic relevant to current priorities in the digital health landscape?*
  • Is there a clear description of how the audience can apply what they learn from the session?*
  • For the non-required questions evaluated above, submissions must show at least one of the following: 
    • Evidence: If evidence is provided is it appropriate given the maturity of the topic proposed? 
    • Innovation: If the proposed topic is innovative or new to the field, does the topic address a priority challenge within the field and demonstrate a clear use case for how it can be adopted and scaled?
    • Principles and standards: Does the topic apply, align or advance relevant global principles and standards? 
    • Advancing the field: Does the topic build on previous initiatives and or investments within global digital health? 

2. Evaluation of the session description: Is the way they’re planning to deliver the topic good? (25 percent weighting)

• From the “Description of Session”:
  • Is the proposed mode of facilitation and session delivery appropriate for the topic proposed and expected target audience?
  • (For preformed panels and interactive workshops) Does the session description describe how the session will be facilitated in a way that engages the audience? Does the session appropriately propose an approach that is interactive?

3. Evaluation of DEI criteria: Does the way that they talk about the topic and deliver it align with our DEI principles? (25 percent)

• For all session types, the “Topic” will be evaluated on:

  • How well the topic or intervention considers or promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of digital health or promote equitable global health outcomes

  • How well the topic or intervention reaches or includes vulnerable or marginalized populations

  • For example, reviewers should look for sessions that:

    • promote diversity in building capacity of the digital health workforce;

    • address inclusion in the access and use of digital tools (through skills, language, accessibility features, connectivity, etc); 

    • Contribute to equitable and people-centered health outcomes

• For pre-formed panels only, the “Description of Session” will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • How well the panelists/presenters represent diverse demographics (sex, race, location)

  • How well the panelists / presenters represent multiple and diverse organizations

  • If there is representation from non-western geographies and entities (if applicable to session type and location).

Session specific criteria:

• Preformed panels
  • Coherent theme around an important or emerging topic
  • Panelists and moderator will encourage lively discussion amongst themselves and the audience
  • We encourage pre-formed panels that reflect a diversity in thought and representation. We also encourage topics that promote equity and inclusion. 
  • (For preformed panels and interactive workshops) Does the session description describe how the session will be facilitated in a way that engages the audience? Does the session appropriately propose an approach that is interactive?
• Individual panels
  • Contribution to the evidence and learning base for digital health
  • Importance to digital health landscape
  • Alignment with global goods and standards
  • Topics that consider or promote diversity, equity and inclusion in digital health and global health outcomes will be rated highly.
• Lightning talks
  • Provocative storytelling
• Poster
  • Present evidence for research done on a topic 
• Solution demonstration
  • The solution demonstrations will showcase software and hardware innovations through and accompanying descriptions during the Forum.
• Interactive workshop
  • Engage participants in hands-on learning.

The Global Digital Health Network envisions a world where technical innovation supports improved health and contributes to better quality, accessibility and sustainability of health services and health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations in low resource environments. Formerly known as the mHealth Working Group, the Network was established in 2009 by global health organizations for global health organizations, and is a 4000+ person-strong networking forum with members from 117 countries to share information, engage with the broader community, and provide leadership in digital health for global public health. Our events and communications are a venue to share practical and flexible guidance with each other and the community. We also seek to engage with and learn from digital implementers in non-health sectors, so that we may strengthen our respective digital technologies.

You can follow the Global Digital Health Network on Twitter @The_GDHN, or learn more on our website.