Monitoring the digital healthcare transition in the Netherlands: Challenges, achievements and future

Abstract

Abstract Since 2013, the Netherlands Institute of Health Service Research, along with other Dutch research institutes, has monitored the digital healthcare transition in The Netherlands. Through annual surveys of both healthcare professionals (from primary and secondary care) and users (patients as well as the general population) from 2013 to 2023, trends in digital health utilization and experiences have been tracked. Overall, there has been a steady increase in digital care adoption since 2013, but in 2023, growth among professionals stabilized while slightly rising among users. Some tools saw significant increases, like automatic medicine dispensers and home monitoring, freeing up nurses’ time. Utilization patterns differ among patients according to their educational attainment and age, showing lower usage rates among older individuals and those with lower levels of education. Most professionals, especially nurses, view digital care positively, but they recognize its limitations in solving healthcare challenges entirely. Healthcare professionals believe it offers only a limited contribution to cost management, workload reduction, and job satisfaction and emphasize the need for seamless integration into routine care. User opinions are divided, with those with chronic conditions often expressing skepticism. Both professionals and patients agree that personal experience is crucial in determining its value. Additionally, ensuring user-friendliness and clarifying reimbursement for digital healthcare are essential. This workshop provides an overview of developments in the Netherlands and a discussion of challenges, achievements, and prospects. Particular attention will be paid to the monitoring of digitalization progress and effects, and the use of digital solutions in primary and secondary care.