How to overcome the most common eHealth myths, gain the trust of patients and healthcare professionals, and make digital tools a natural part of care
Digital tools in healthcare have enormous potential, but their acceptance is not always automatic. Patients and healthcare providers often have doubts — sometimes justified, other times caused simply by a lack of understanding of the benefits and possibilities. If we want eHealth solutions to truly help, we need to acknowledge these concerns and actively work with them.
When patients hesitate
Some patients may worry that using apps or digital programs will replace personal contact with their doctor. They may feel “pushed off” to technology instead of receiving full attention from a healthcare professional. This concern is often stronger among older adults or people who are not used to modern technologies.
That’s why it’s essential to present eHealth programs as part of care — not as a replacement. Apps should be positioned as an extension of the doctor’s capabilities: a tool that helps monitor a patient’s condition, supports their motivation, and improves treatment outcomes.
Best practices
- The application is always prescribed by a specialist (doctor, psychologist, physiotherapist, etc.).
- The doctor discusses with the patient why the program makes sense and what benefits to expect.
- eHealth becomes a part of every check-up — progress, issues, or low engagement are reviewed.
- If the patient doesn’t engage with the app, it’s useful to ask why and possibly recommend a more suitable alternative.
When healthcare professionals hesitate
Healthcare providers may worry that digitalization will reduce the quality of care, increase administrative burden, or introduce legal risks (e.g., in data protection or responsibility).
Helpful approaches
- Clear recommendations from professional societies — which tools are safe, effective, and validated.
- Inspiration from abroad, e.g., the German DIGA system, where certified apps are reimbursed by insurance, or the evaluation standards used by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
- Education and training that shows clinicians how to integrate digital tools without adding unnecessary workload.
Why we don’t search for “one app for everyone”
There is no universal solution in eHealth. Just as doctors tailor treatment to each patient’s needs, digital tools should also be selected based on the patient’s condition, abilities, and preferences. The goal is a portfolio of validated solutions to choose from.
How Orbiso approaches this
These principles are at the core of the Orbiso platform. Orbiso enables clinicians to create their own programs in a safe and intuitive environment, easy to adapt and personalize for different patient groups. Thanks to a modular system, programs can include education, questionnaires, exercises, or value measurements — always under full professional control over what the patient sees and how it is structured.
Orbiso helps break down barriers: the patient knows that the digital tool is a part of their treatment plan, and the clinician is confident that they are working with a secure and validated solution.
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