Accessibility of digital healthcare in 2023: insights from a Dutch national survey study

Abstract Background Digital technology is reshaping healthcare, offering potential improvements in accessibility, efficiency and quality. However, to realize potential benefits, ensuring equal access for all is crucial. We investigated digital healthcare usage and studied differences in use across age groups and educational backgrounds in the Netherlands. Methods Surveys were conducted among general healthcare users (n = 837, any citizen living in the Netherlands with access to healthcare) and healthcare users with chronic conditions (n = 1437). We studied their digital skills (can you independently use a computer, tablet or smartphone; digital applications; email and apps?) and their use of digital selfcare (did you use websites for health-related information or treatment?). Findings are stratified for educational level (low/medium/high) and age (15 -39, 40-64, over 65 years). Data collection occurred between April and August 2023, focusing on the twelve months preceding the survey. Results The majority of respondents use digital devices independently (range: 78-91%), but these percentages vary between subgroups, from 48-65% for users with lower education vs 86-99% for users with higher education. Similar differences exist across age groups: 98-100% of users aged 15-39 use a computer, tablet or smartphone, in contrast with 59-78% in the over 65 years age group. Similarly, the use of websites for health information is 22-31% among lower educated users to 68-70% among higher educated users; and 36-48% among those ≥65 years to 73-75% among respondents aged 15-39. Conclusions Substantial variation exists in the use of digital tools and digital selfcare across ages and educational levels. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing inequalities in access to digital healthcare, serving as a call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and developers to collectively strive for an accessible (digital) healthcare system for all. Key messages • Differences in use of digital tools and digital selfcare among people of different ages and educational levels warrants the need for co-creation and tailored development and implementation. • Differences in use of digital tools and digital selfcare among people of different ages and educational levels warrants the need for co-creation and tailored development and implementation.