Full Breakdown
Digital Health Transformation in Europe: Access and Literacy
2/23/2026, 9:35:16 PM
Overview of Electronic Health Records Access
The digital transformation of health systems across Europe has gained momentum, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of remote consultations. As of 2024, access to electronic health records (EHR) in the European Union (EU) reached 83 percent, reflecting a four-point increase from 2023 and an eleven-point rise since 2022. The European Commission's ‘Digital Decade 2025: eHealth Indicator Study-Final Report’ indicates significant disparities among EU countries in EHR access, with Belgium and Estonia achieving full access at 100 percent, while Ireland lags at just 25 percent.
Country Performance in EHR Access
Among the 29 European countries assessed, Denmark (98%), Lithuania (95%), Malta (94%), Poland (92%), and Norway (91%) also rank highly, all exceeding 90 percent in EHR access. Conversely, Ireland's low score is attributed to the absence of an online portal for electronic health data, a situation expected to improve following the recent announcement by Ireland's health minister on February 5, 2026, regarding the procurement of a National Electronic Health Record.
Digital Health Literacy Challenges
While access to digital health services is critical, the ability of citizens to effectively utilize these services is equally important. The OECD's ‘Health at a Glance 2025’ report highlights that digital health literacy remains low, particularly among older populations and those with lower educational attainment. In 2024, only 18 percent of primary care users aged 45 and over with lower education levels demonstrated digital health literacy, compared to 26 percent among their more educated counterparts.
Comparative Literacy Rates
The report reveals significant variations in digital health literacy across countries. Czechia leads with 53 percent literacy among the highly educated, followed by Wales (46%), France (43%), and the Netherlands (31%). However, even in these countries, literacy rates for lower-educated individuals are considerably lower, with Czechia at 41 percent, Wales at 31 percent, France at 24 percent, and the Netherlands at 21 percent. In contrast, Italy and Romania report literacy rates of just 9 percent for both educational groups.
Importance of Trust and Data Exchange
Experts emphasize that building trust in digital health technologies is essential for their active use. David Novillo Ortiz from the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe noted that countries with well-developed EHR systems can more easily expand teleconsultation services. The share of teleconsultations varies significantly across Europe, underscoring the need for robust EHR access to enhance digital health services.
Conclusion
The digital health landscape in Europe is evolving, with significant progress in EHR access but persistent challenges in digital health literacy. As countries like Ireland work to modernize their health systems, the focus on improving both access and literacy will be crucial for the successful implementation of digital health initiatives across the continent.
