Abstract

Care providers are increasingly delivering their services digitally, but some people have difficulty using digital tools. Particularly elderly people, people in low-income groups and people with little education use digital care the least. They are not always aware of the possibilities or may not know how to use certain digital tools. A training course could be helpful in this regard, provided that it matches their skills and needs.

There are various reasons why people seek assistance in using digital tools for care services. According to a study by RIVM, research institute Nivel and the National eHealth Living Lab (NeLL), the three main reasons are: people's desire to prepare for the future, their hope to remain autonomous and their aim to master digital skills because they need them in the care they receive.

Libraries are offering training courses to help people work with digital tools. One example is DigiVitaler, a training course developed to learn how to work with digital care. By introducing people to digital care and giving them an opportunity to practise with it, courses like these can help make digital care more accessible. The courses are particularly popular among elderly people because they already visit the library. Experiences have been positive, as people gain more confidence and skills in using digital tools.

According to DigiVitaler teachers, the course is helpful, but that does not mean that in the end all participants can manage digital care themselves. More tailor-made support is required, for example through an information desk at the library, where people can ask questions about using digital tools.

It is also crucial to provide courses at multiple locations, to give more people the opportunity to take part. Libraries cannot reach all groups in society. As a result, the functionally illiterate, young people and people whose first language is not Dutch might miss out. In addition, it is important to reach more elderly people. To that end, there is a need for collaboration between libraries and other parties in the social domain, such as welfare organisations, municipalities and schools. Furthermore, collaboration with the medical domain, such as care organisations, general practitioners and pharmacies, must be increased.