Assessing Digital Maturity of Hospitals: Viewpoint Comparing National Approaches in Five Countries

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Health Services Research
• Digital Health Strategy

Background:

• National digital maturity assessments for health systems are developing.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the context and processes of these assessments.
• This study compares international approaches to hospital digital maturity evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and compare national approaches to assessing hospital digital maturity.
• To explore the context, drivers, and measurement methods used in different countries.
• To identify commonalities and differences in national digital maturity assessment frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Review of 5 national approaches: Queensland (Australia), Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland.
• Analysis of assessment context, drivers, and measurement indicators.
• Comparison of key topic areas, data analysis, and evaluation practices.

Main Results:

• Common focus on interoperability and use of findings for national digital health strategies.
• Broadly aligned indicators, but 4 of 5 countries developed tailored sets.
• Key areas: interoperability, capabilities, leadership, governance, infrastructure; centralized analysis with shared data.

Conclusions:

• Significant challenges exist in national digital maturity assessments, including cost, time, accuracy, tracking, and bias.
• Tensions identified between practical feasibility, assessment depth, and national/local data needs.
• Acknowledging assessment limitations is crucial for valid decision-making and long-term monitoring.