Organisational readiness for digitalisation in health care: Findings from qualitative research in four EU countries/region

Background: Digitalisation in healthcare is progressing more slowly than in other sectors, despite being highly needed and prioritised by the World Health Organization, the European Union, and individual countries. Therefore, investigating readiness for digitalisation across European regions may inform strategies required to accelerate the process. Objectives: This study explores organisational readiness for digitalisation in healthcare in four different countries/regions: Catalonia (Spain), South Denmark, Italy, and Slovenia. Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted and reported according to the COREQ guidelines. Focus groups and individual interviews with 74 healthcare professionals (HCP) and healthcare managers (HCM) from four partner countries/regions were carried out, recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results: Four themes summarised organisational readiness for digitalisation, including barriers, facilitators, and drivers of digital transformation: “Organisational Readiness for Digitalisation: Between Potential and Persistent Gaps”; “Convincing Design: Intuitive Technologies for Sustainable Change”; “Barriers to Change: Structural, Cultural, and Professional Obstacles”; and “The Drivers of Transformation: Technological and Organisational Levers for Progress”. Conclusion: Organisational readiness is shaped by the interplay of technological, organisational, and professional factors. Strengthening organisational readiness for digitalisation requires coordinated investment in digital infrastructure, continuous education and training, supportive leadership, and participatory implementation strategies to ensure sustainable digital transformation.