What was already known on the topic •Digital health has been recognized as an essential tool for the coronavirus disease response and management. •Many rapidly rolled out applications were not subject to adequate evidence-based evaluation procedures. •Many digital health commentaries, reviews, and studies have focused on the e-health benefits in supporting COVID-19.

What this study added to our knowledge •Digital health has played an important but imperfect role in urgent responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. •Five risk areas were identified, namely, governance, system design and coordination, information access, service provision, and user (professional and public) reception. •A template of evidence-based evaluation questions was proposed to ameliorate the pandemic-triggered risks. •Stronger coordination and collaboration are needed to better prepare for the post-COVID-19.