[Relevance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice - Part II]

Not all individuals or population groups can participate equally in digital transformation due to varying levels of (e)HL and their socioeconomic conditions. This disparity is known as the "digital divide." A lower socioeconomic status and older age appear to be associated with lower eHL. In the interest of reducing health inequalities, targeted efforts to promote dGK among disadvantaged groups should be pursued. This paper by the members of the working group Digital Health of the German Network for Health Services Research (Deutsches Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung e.V. (DNVF)) therefore addresses the importance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice in Germany, with an emphasis on measures to enhance eHL. Building on a theory-based definition of eHL established in the first publication (Relevance of eHealth Literacy (eHL) for health services research and practice - Part I), the current state of eHL in Germany and the effects of low eHL are examined. Guided by the Delphi study conducted by the DNVF working group Digital Health and the guidelines of the German Advisory Council on Health and Care (Sachverständigenrat zur Begutachtung der Entwicklung im Gesundheitswesen und in der Pflege (SVR)), the digital divide is addressed and analyzed. Specific proposals for enhancing eHL are presented, with a focus on theory-driven interventions co-developed with users. Evaluation and implementation aspects of such interventions are also considered.