Relevanz der digitalen Gesundheitskompetenz (dGK) für Versorgungsforschung und -praxis - Teil II

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Monika Sinha - , SINHA-Beratung, medhochzwei Verlag GmbH (Author)
  • Florian Fischer - , Kempten University of Applied Sciences, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Chantal Giehl - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Lorenz Harst - , Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (Author)
  • Martin Härter - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • Thomas Häupl - , Helios Specialist Clinic Vogelsang-Gommern (Author)
  • Kevin Jerke - , Leibniz University of Applied Sciences (Author)
  • Sven Kernebeck - , Münster University of Applied Sciences (Author)
  • Sebastian Merkel - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Julie Saskia Mewes - , Chemnitz University of Technology (Author)
  • Edmund Neugebauer - , Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (Author)
  • Ina Otte - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Marcus Redaèlli - , University of Cologne (Author)
  • Jutta G. Richter - , Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (Author)
  • Madlen Scheibe - , Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Veronika Strotbaum - , German Network Health Service Research (DNVF) (Author)
  • Patrick Timpel - , fbeta GmbH (Author)
  • Horst Christian Vollmar - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Franziska Welzel - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • Theresa Sophie Busse - , Witten/Herdecke University (Author)

Abstract

Not all individuals or population groups can participate equally in digital transformation due to varying levels of (e)HL and their socioeconomic conditions. This disparity is known as the "digital divide." A lower socioeconomic status and older age appear to be associated with lower eHL. In the interest of reducing health inequalities, targeted efforts to promote dGK among disadvantaged groups should be pursued. This paper by the members of the working group Digital Health of the German Network for Health Services Research (Deutsches Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung e.V. (DNVF)) therefore addresses the importance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice in Germany, with an emphasis on measures to enhance eHL. Building on a theory-based definition of eHL established in the first publication (Relevance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice - Part I), the current state of eHL in Germany and the effects of low eHL are examined. Guided by the Delphi study conducted by the DNVF working group Digital Health and the guidelines of the German Advisory Council on Health and Care (Sachverständigenrat zur Begutachtung der Entwicklung im Gesundheitswesen und in der Pflege (SVR)), the digital divide is addressed and analyzed. Specific proposals for enhancing eHL are presented, with a focus on theory-driven interventions co-developed with users. Evaluation and implementation aspects of such interventions are also considered.

Translated title of the contribution
Relevance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice - Part II

Details

Original languageGerman
Pages (from-to)128-134
Number of pages7
JournalGesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany))
Volume88
Issue number2
Early online date29 Sept 2025
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMedCentral PMC12885623
Scopus 105017679637

Keywords

Keywords

  • Digital divide, Digital health, Digital health literacy, eHealth Literacy, Health information, Health literacy