International case studies: success and failure factors for digital transformation in healthcare

Abstract Background The digitalization of healthcare systems is expected to lead to improvements in the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Despite Germany’s leading economic and technological position, the implementation and utilization of digital health solutions is lagging far behind internationally. A look at other countries shows that the digital transformation in healthcare can be successful, and that financial resources and available technologies are not the only determining factors. Rather, it is a matter of political processes, the interests of different stakeholders and the acceptance of patients and HCPs. Methods While the impression often arises that the selection of countries in case studies is random, eight international case studies were identified using a scientific method. A systematic and multi-stage process was developed to select the case studies, taking into account various relevant criteria (e.g. degree of digitalization, geography, economy). The implementation and use of various digital health tools will be examined in selected countries and healthcare systems, in which the digitalization of the healthcare system is particularly advanced. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with experts from the international healthcare systems between fall 2024 and summer 2025. The findings will inform the development of recommendations for actions for policymakers in Germany. Conclusions This study aims to provide new insights into the key success and failure factors for the digital transformation of healthcare systems. Recommendations for action, tailored specifically to the German healthcare system and aimed at policymakers, are intended to support decision-makers in setting the course for a successful further transformation towards digital health. Key messages • International case studies will be used to identify factors that contribute to the success or failure of digital transformation in healthcare systems. • Based on the findings of this research, recommendations for action will be developed for policymakers in Germany to set the course for the successful further digitalization of healthcare.