Work

Digital literacy, self-efficacy, and desired support among healthcare professionals, patients, and informal caregivers: A cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Digital health technologies have potential to improve (preventive) healthcare, but not everyone benefits equally. Here, digital literacy, self-efficacy, and support appear to be important factors in the healthcare context. To support the digital transition in healthcare optimally, this study aims to identify explanatory factors of digital literacy, self-efficacy, and desired support among healthcare professionals, patients, and their informal caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among healthcare professionals (n = 1372) and patients and their informal caregivers (n = 539). The survey assessed enthusiasm for digital developments, digital literacy, self-efficacy, the way people seek support (support patterns), desired support, and demographics. Multiple linear regressions identified explanatory factors for digital literacy and self-efficacy, and binomial logistic regressions examined the factors related to the support needs. RESULTS: Among both groups, digital literacy was explained by self-efficacy, enthusiasm, the independent support pattern, and age. Among healthcare professionals, additional factors included desired support, gender, type (e.g., nurses and paramedics), and the help-seeking support pattern. Self-efficacy was explained by digital literacy, enthusiasm, and the independent support pattern in both groups, complemented by desired support and age for professionals. Finally, support needs were explained by self-efficacy, age, and type for both groups. Among professionals, digital literacy and support patterns were also found to be explanatory. Participants expressed a preference for support from the hospital with new digital developments (56.3 % of patients/caregivers, 49.0 % of professionals), ideally through digital coaches, videos, and help desks. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Individuals with higher age, lower digital literacy, lower self-efficacy, and those seeking social support to solve technology-related problems may be more likely to experience support needs. To enhance accessibility, it may be especially relevant to consider support strategies for these individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to provide adequate support could enhance digital literacy and self-efficacy, thereby contributing to self-reliance and reduced support needs.

Source: Patient Education and Counseling

DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2025.109310

Authors: T.M. Hengst, L. Lechner, C. Boumans, C.A.W. Bolman

Institutions: Open University of the Netherlands, Zuyderland Medisch Centrum

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,830