A Digital Solution – Poster Abstract for Digital Health Africa 2025

Authors; Nina Sønderberg and Lars Münter,
Nordic Wellbeing Academy and European Health Futures Forum

Women across the labour market—especially in caring professions—experience high rates of occupational burnout with psychosomatic symptoms (sleep disturbance, pain, “brain fog”). Yet decision-makers lack timely, gender-sensitive data to detect risk early, target support, and evaluate policy. 

Building on clinical and systems insights, we propose a digital, policy-grade data platform that translates the triple pathway of strain—(1) workplace stressors, (2) domestic safety and wellbeing, and (3) somatic amplification—into actionable indicators for health, labour, and social sectors.

Concept & Architecture
The platform integrates multi-source signals: HRIS data (overtime, shifts, absenteeism), EHR/PHC data (stress-related presentations), confidential mHealth self-checks (sleep, mood, pain), optional wearables (rest/activity), and safeguarded referrals to domestic-safety services. 

Built on open standards it would employ privacy-by-design (consent, de-identification, role-based access) and do-no-harm protocols (covert screens, encrypted exit, zero-trace options).

An analytics layer would provide early-warning dashboards (burnout risk scores, unit heatmaps, trend alerts), automated stabilize–connect–refer workflows (to tele-mental health, peer support, HR accommodations), and policy evaluation modules (staffing changes, scheduling pilots, recovery programs). 

Solid Strategic Alignment
The model is inspired by the approach of the WHO Strategic Partners’ Initiative for Data and Digital Health in their public health group progress on burnout, positioning burnout reduction as a measurable outcome of national digital health strategies. It supports intersectoral action—linking health, labour, social protection, and civil society—and complements workforce retention goals. 

Use-Case Roadmap
We will outline a phased pilot (in Africa and Europe) with common indicator sets, harm-mitigation audits, and capacity building for young scientists. Decision-makers gain near-real-time situational awareness; organizations gain safer staffing and targeted supports; women gain earlier help—before distress becomes disability.

Our Call to Action
We intend to co-design and test as an open, scalable public-good: measure what matters, protect what’s sensitive, and turn digital signals into healthier workplaces and lives for women.

Join us – write to nina@wellbeingacademy.dk to become part of the team.