The role that new technologies will play in shaping the future is well-known to the European Commission that has decided to launch a first ever Digital Europe programme and invest €9.2 billion to align the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027 with increasing digital challenges.
As emphasised by Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, the impact of digitalisation on healthcare is huge. However, to ensure a smooth transition, it is crucial that digital tools place citizens at the core of the health and social care delivery process. In this context, in their coaching roles, nurses play a fundamental role in empowering patients and increasing citizens’ trust towards eHealth solutions, thanks to the close relation they establish with the patients and their families.
Nurses can make a significant contribution to boost value-based ecosystems, supported by technology, and being part of a culture that empowers patients to evaluate qualitative health outcomes. Therefore, frontline nurses need to be fully involved in the co-design of eHealth tools.