JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Electronic health (eHealth) solutions and telemedicine have transformed healthcare delivery over the past decade, and today, eHealth is integral to routine care across diverse clinical settings. Successful implementation depends on patients’ eHealth literacy. Low literacy is linked to reduced awareness and utilization of digital services. Although eHealth has demonstrated benefits for quality of life and physical activity in patients with cardiac disease, these benefits may not be equitably realized due to literacy disparities. If unaddressed, these disparities risk exacerbating inequality in access to beneficial digital services.

Objective:

To assess eHealth literacy levels in patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery and explore differences across sociodemographic factors and comorbid conditions.

Methods:

A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery in Western Denmark. eHealth literacy was assessed using the 8-item eHEALS questionnaire (score range: 8–40). Sociodemographic data and comorbid conditions beyond the primary cardiac diagnosis were collected through patient-completed questionnaires.

Results:

Between February and July 2024, 313 of 576 (54.3%) eligible patients completed the survey. The median eHEALS score was 30 (IQR: 27-32), indicating generally high eHealth literacy (score ≥26). Younger age and higher educational level were linked to higher eHealth literacy scores. No significant differences were found for gender, cohabitation status, presence of close relationships, or number of comorbid conditions.

Conclusions:

Patients scheduled for elective open-heart surgery generally reported high eHealth literacy levels. Younger age and higher educational level were linked to higher eHealth literacy scores. However, challenges remain in patients’ ability to critically appraise online health information, highlighting the importance of individual assessment to ensure equitable access and support in the use of digital health solutions. Clinical Trial: The Research Ethics Committee waived the need for study approval as the study is exempt from registration under Danish law (Danish Committees on Health Research Ethics, §14, 2) (case number: 2400348).