RIVM's 2024 Digital Health Monitor Reveals Light Increase in Usage
The Hague, Thursday, 15 May 2025.
The Monitor highlights a minor uptick in digital healthcare use among providers and users, yet mentions persistent concerns over privacy and the need for personal interaction.
Digital Healthcare Adoption Trends
The latest Monitor Digitale Zorg report, released on May 13, 2025, reveals significant developments in healthcare digitalization. Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting patient portals and telemonitoring solutions, with a notable uptick among medical specialists and general practitioners [1]. Approximately one in five physicians now utilizes artificial intelligence tools, primarily for patient administration purposes [2].
Digital Communication and Remote Care
Written digital communication, such as e-consultations, has shown substantial growth across most healthcare provider groups [2]. However, video consultations have experienced a decline among general practitioners and medical specialists, while remaining stable for social medicine practitioners and nurses [2]. Digital medication support systems are currently utilized for approximately 25% of patients, while monitoring technologies such as personal alarms and motion sensors are implemented for nearly half of all patients [2].
Accessibility Challenges and Privacy Concerns
The monitor identifies significant disparities in digital healthcare access, particularly affecting elderly populations and those with basic education levels [3]. Privacy remains a primary concern among users, while many patients express reservations about reduced personal contact in digital care settings [3]. The RIVM recommends enhanced training programs to support these vulnerable groups and suggests investigating methods to make digital care more personalized [3].
Future Developments and Recommendations
Healthcare providers maintain a cautiously positive outlook on digital healthcare’s impact on societal challenges, with an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 [4]. The RIVM, along with Nivel and the National eHealth Living Lab, emphasizes the importance of continued research into expanding digital healthcare applications while maintaining focus on user experience and privacy protection [1]. The findings will contribute to the implementation of the Integraal Zorg Akkoord (IZA) and the ongoing transition toward hybrid care models [3].