[Digital health literacy in Germany - requested, but not supported? Results of the empirical study TK-DiSK]

In Germany, the digital transformation is considered the key to "growth and prosperity". Beyond the debate on the required technical conditions, digital health literacy is seen as a prerequisite for a democratic and patient oriented digitization of the health system. The study "TK-DiSK: digital - self-determined - competent" aimed at examining the perspectives and status of stakeholders in the German health system and of further developing the concept of digital health literacy. Document analysis, surveys and interviews revealed a paradox about digital health literacy: though it is generally seen as a "highly relevant' issue, there is hardly any substantial discussion of it. Interviewed experts did not share a common understanding of its content, disagreed on ways of promoting it, and disputed the agencies to be held responsible for ensuring digital health literacy. Focus groups with patients clearly showed that the facilitation of patient autonomy is a central aspect for their assessment of digital health technologies. This article develops a timely definition of digital health literacy and argues for a comprehensive and targeted promotion addressing individuals as well as organizations.