Evolution of digital maturity of German hospitals - A longitudinal analysis from 2021 to 2024
Objectives: Following major investments through the Hospital Future Fund (2019-2025), the German Federal Ministry of Health commissioned the DigitalRadar consortium to develop a digital maturity model for German hospitals and evaluate progress across three waves (2021, 2024, 2026). In 2024, the digital maturity of the hospitals was reassessed with wave 2 and examined changes since 2021, hospitals’ perceptions and use of the assessment, and the relevance of digitalization for patients. Methods: The maturity model was updated for wave 2. Data were collected via an online survey from interdisciplinary hospital teams (n≈1,592). A mixed-methods evaluation examined user experience and acceptance, and included patient perspectives. This comprised quantitative surveys (stakeholders: n=276–337; patients: n=253) and qualitative interviews with hospitals (n=30) and patients (n=94). Results: Between 2021 and 2024, average digital maturity increased by 27% to 42/100. Highest scores were observed in the dimensions Structures and Systems and Clinical Processes, while Patient Participation showed the largest relative improvement (∼90.5%). Maturity levels continued to vary by hospital characteristics. 80% of hospitals reported improved usability and clarity of the instrument, though technical and content-related refinements remain necessary. Digital applications addressing patients are still rarely implemented. Conclusions: Although digital maturity improved noticeably, the overall level remains moderate, indicating substantial remaining transformation needs. To ensure long-term success of digitalization measures, funding should continue in the future. The longitudinal and participatory design of this study remains uncommon and addresses key limitations of conventional cross-sectional evaluations in the healthcare sector and beyond.
Haring, M., F. Hasse, A. Haering, J. Hollenbach, K. Materne, S. Rohwer, F. Fritzsche, S. Thun, V. Amelung, J. Peukert and A. Geissler (2026), Evolution of digital maturity of German hospitals - A longitudinal analysis from 2021 to 2024. Health Policy and Technology (forthcoming)