Addressing Digital Skill Gaps: A Barrier to Equitable Healthcare in the Netherlands
Utrecht, Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
Merlijne Sonneveld highlights the gap in digital skills causing healthcare inequality at the Zorg en ICT fair, emphasizing millions struggle with specific digital healthcare tasks, unlike regular online activities.
Growing Digital Healthcare Challenges
The Helpdesk Digital Care foundation received approximately 40,000 calls in 2024 from individuals struggling with digital healthcare applications [1]. This significant volume underscores a crucial observation: digital healthcare competency extends beyond basic internet skills. Even digitally proficient individuals often encounter difficulties with specialized healthcare tools, such as managing DigiD authentication or operating NFC readers [1].
Innovative Solutions and Multilingual Support
To address these challenges, healthcare institutions are implementing advanced solutions. A recent pilot program utilizing AI-powered translations now enables healthcare providers to deliver personalized medical information in 243 different languages [2]. This innovation particularly benefits the youth healthcare sector, where effective communication with parents is crucial for child health outcomes. The initiative has shown promising results, with healthcare providers reporting improved ability to inform and guide parents through digital healthcare processes [2].
Impact on Patient Care and Outcomes
Recent research demonstrates the tangible effects of digital healthcare accessibility. A 2025 study across Dutch hospitals revealed that while digital self-care solutions can be effective, with patient satisfaction scoring 7.8 out of 10, concerns persist about their suitability for those with limited digital skills [3]. The study highlighted that 77% of participants rated information quality as good, yet this data comes with a critical caveat - 98% of respondents were native Dutch speakers with 59% holding at least a bachelor’s degree [3], suggesting potential underrepresentation of digitally disadvantaged groups.
Future Implications and Solutions
Sonneveld emphasizes that addressing this digital divide requires a systematic approach, as healthcare systems face increasing pressure from staff shortages [1]. The foundation’s response includes providing support materials in 20 different languages and maintaining a dedicated service desk for step-by-step guidance [1]. These initiatives aim to bridge the digital gap while ensuring that physical care remains accessible for those who cannot navigate digital healthcare systems [1].