J Med Internet Res. 2026 Feb 9;28:e81841. doi: 10.2196/81841.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: European public health care systems are expanding eHealth tools such as teleconsultations, online appointment bookings, and electronic health records to improve efficiency and access to health care. However, their use depends on factors such as digital skills and internet access, which are unequally distributed across socioeconomic and demographic determinants. Most existing evidence on these inequalities is qualitative or outside universal health care systems.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to synthesize quantitative evidence on social inequalities in access to and use of eHealth services within European public health care systems. Specifically, we sought to identify which social determinants were most consistently associated with unequal use of online appointment booking, teleconsultations, electronic health records, and eHealth portals, across major social determinants of health.

METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for studies published in English or Spanish between 2015 and October 2025. Eligible quantitative studies included adults (≥18 years) using public health care systems in European countries. The primary outcome was differential access to or use of eHealth tools by social determinants in any level of care. Screening and data extraction were independently performed by 3 reviewers using Rayyan, resolving disagreements through consensus. Data extracted covered study design, population, eHealth tools, social determinants, and outcomes. Risk of bias was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Due to study heterogeneity in digital tools and inequality dimensions, results were synthesized narratively by tool type and social inequality factors. Point estimates and 95% CIs were extracted when available.

RESULTS: Of the 2366 records retrieved, 18 observational studies met the inclusion criteria: 13 cross-sectional, 3 prevalence, 1 retrospective cohort, and 1 ecological cohort. Publication output increased from 2020 onward, mostly driven by cross-sectional studies from northern and western Europe. Findings revealed consistent social gradients in eHealth use: older adults, individuals with lower educational or socioeconomic level, ethnic minorities, and those with limited digital skills or poorer health were less likely to use eHealth tools. Most studies were rated as high quality (78%), and the remainder as moderate, heterogeneity in designs, outcomes, and populations may limit generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS: Digital transformation in European public health systems has not benefited all groups equally. This review highlights persistent social inequalities in the use of key digital health tools. While many included studies were of high quality, heterogeneity in study designs, populations, and outcomes, as well as risk of bias, limits causal inference and the direct translation of findings into policy and practice. The findings nonetheless reveal systematic patterns of exclusion that are highly relevant for policy. Emphasizing an intersectional approach and standardizing measures of digital access will be essential to develop effective, equity-focused policies that ensure inclusive digital health services for all.

PMID:41662579 | DOI:10.2196/81841