ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to assess the readiness to use digital technologies in accessing healthcare services in all EU-27 countries and the US. Barriers to healthcare access represent a complex issue, with patients facing various difficulties in accessing health services, which may be mitigated using digital health solutions. The analysis was conducted on data from the World Health Organization and World Development Indicators database of the World Bank. This study has identified different barriers to the digitalization of healthcare in various regions: Central and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the US. In terms of digitalization barriers, this study shows that Central and Eastern Europe should focus on healthcare financing, significant investment in human resources with proper digital training, and introducing electronic medical records for primary care physicians. As for the former 15 European Union countries, the main barrier to healthcare digitalization is the low willingness of citizens to search for health information online. The US should focus on investment in human resources and hospital bed capacity. The practical outcome of this study is recommendations for policymakers to differentiate investments according to regional needs.
