Diana Schack Thoft, PhD and Research Manager of the Research Centre for Health and Applied Technology, University College Northern Denmark

By a representative from the World Health Organisation.

Chair: Lisa Korsbakke Emtekær Hæsum, Ph.D. from the Research Centre for Health and Applied Technology & Associate lecturer at the nursing programme, University College Northern Denmark.
 
As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into healthcare systems across Europe, both professionals and citizens face significant challenges in navigating digital health literacy. For healthcare providers, the rapid evolution of digital tools requires continuous adaptation, training, and the ability to critically assess the reliability and security of digital health solutions. Integrating these tools into existing workflows while ensuring equitable access and data privacy presents ongoing difficulties. 

From a citizen perspective, disparities in digital health literacy can contribute to health inequalities. Many individuals struggle with accessing, understanding, and using digital health information effectively due to factors such as age, socioeconomic status, education, and digital access. Trust in digital platforms, concerns over data security, and the overwhelming volume of online health information further complicate the citizen experience.

Chair: Anna Diop-Christensen, Ph.D. from the Research Centre for Health and Applied Technology, University College Northern Denmark.

Digital health literacy is a critical factor in ensuring equitable access to healthcare information and services in the digital age. However, significant inequalities persist across different populations, driven by factors such as age, education level, socioeconomic status, geographic location, and cultural or linguistic barriers. Individuals from underserved communities, older adults, and those with limited digital skills often face difficulties in accessing, understanding, and using digital health resources effectively. 

These disparities can lead to unequal health outcomes, reduced engagement with healthcare systems, and increased vulnerability to misinformation. As healthcare continues to digitalize, addressing these inequalities is essential to prevent the widening of existing health gaps. Efforts must focus on promoting inclusive digital education, improving access to technology, and designing user-friendly, culturally sensitive digital health tools that cater to the diverse needs of all citizens.

Facilitated by Lisa Korsbakke Emtekær Hæsum & Anna Diop-Christensen.

Lars Kayser, Ph.D. and Professor from Section for Health Services Research, University of Copenhagen.

Research on individuals' and populations' levels of digital health literacy is often reported without addressing the potential impact of the underlying concept, which may result in difficulties in interpreting the relevance of the data. The keynote will address this problem and discuss future perspectives in relation to how to understand digital health literacy.

By Mika Uitto, Doctoral Researcher at Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, SeAMK, Finland.

Regular assessment of digital health literacy (DHL) is essential for ensuring that individuals can effectively navigate, understand, and use digital health resources. This mini-masterclass aims to explore why health literacy should be assessed, how it can be assessed, and to what extent it is relevant to do so. Participants will understand the relevance of assessing health literacy, learn about methods and tools for assessment and discuss the benefits and challenges. 

Join this session to gain hands-on strategies for measuring and enhancing digital health literacy in daily practice, ensuring more inclusive and effective healthcare services.

See Mika's introduction of the mini-masterclass.

Chair: Robert Griebler, Ph.D. and Senior researcher at the Austrian National Public Health Institute, Vienna.

Understanding and tracking digital health literacy (DHL) is crucial for improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes. This session explores practical approaches to assessing and monitoring DHL in diverse settings, from clinical environments to community-based initiatives. Participants will learn about key assessment tools, data collection methods, and strategies for integrating DHL monitoring into routine practice. 

By identifying literacy gaps and measuring progress over time, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations can develop targeted interventions to enhance digital health engagement and reduce health inequalities. 

Facilitated by Robert Griebler & Mika Uitto.

Henrik Bøggild, Ph.D., Associate Professor and research director of the Public Health and Epidemiology group, Department of Health Science and Technology (Aalborg University).

Join for an evening with delicious food, music from young artists and networking.