Rethinking Digital Solutions in Healthcare

Digitalization is rapidly transforming healthcare, but many patients – especially those arriving acutely in Emergency Departments – struggle to use the digital tools now required to access information, communicate with staff, or navigate their care. Older and more vulnerable citizens are disproportionately affected, and research shows that nearly half of acutely admitted ED patients have difficulty using smartphones or understanding digital information. As hospitals introduce more digital workflows, remote consultations, and bedside technologies, the risk grows that these patients will be excluded. This widening digital divide threatens equity, dignity, and the sustainability of future healthcare delivery, making it crucial to develop digital solutions that accommodate the full range of patients’ abilities and needs.