Funded by a Veni Talent Grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO), this research aims to make eHealth more accessible for people with limited digital skills, especially those with chronic conditions like COPD. It uses models like the "Lily Model" and the "E-Health Literacy Framework" to understand what helps people accept and use eHealth. The study takes place in several European countries, including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Romania, and Spain. The goal is to help healthcare professionals support patients with less digital experience, reducing health inequalities.
This project addresses a critical issue: the exclusion of non-digitally literate individuals from the benefits of digital healthcare. With 20% of people in the Netherlands lacking digital literacy, many cannot perform essential tasks such as downloading apps, accessing patient portals, or connecting medical devices. This exclusion deepens health inequalities, as these individuals face barriers to accessing e-health solutions. By identifying and addressing the barriers and facilitators that impact COPD patients' use of digital tools, the project ensures that future digital health solutions are more inclusive. The findings will guide developers and policymakers in creating accessible, user-friendly e-health innovations, thereby extending the benefits of digital healthcare to underserved populations and improving overall health outcomes.
