Digital Health Literacy, Electronic Prescription Use, and Cardiological Care Patterns in the Heraklion Region: An Observational Study

Background Digital health technologies are transforming cardiovascular care by empowering patients, enhancing patient-physician relationships, and improving health outcomes. These technologies have shown promise in promoting lifestyle modifications, improving medication adherence, and facilitating early detection and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite their potential, the effective integration of digital health tools into clinical practice remains a challenge. Understanding how digital health literacy and electronic health services impact cardiovascular patients is crucial to optimize CVD management. Methods This observational study was conducted in the Heraklion region, focusing on patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndromes. We analyzed their demographic characteristics, digital health literacy levels, use of electronic prescription services, and patterns of cardiological care. Methods 761 patients (76.3% men) were participated in the study, with mean age 64.4 + 12.4 years. The majority of patients were living in an urban place (56.5%), and 41.3% had done the last cardiological check-up 6 months ago. Moderate/ good digital health literacy had 64.6% of the sample, 35.9% had electronic prescription service and 87.9% of them used it. Most participants (85.6%) booked by phone their doctor appointment. Patients with a moderate/good level of digital literacy were significantly younger. Also, patients with STEMI had a significantly higher percentage of moderate/good digital literacy compared to patients with NSTEMI. Patients seen by a specific physician had a significantly higher percentage of moderate/good digital literacy compared to patients not seen by a specific physician. Men and patients who lived in an urban area had significantly higher rates of electronic prescription service. Also, the patients who had electronic prescription service were significantly younger. Patients with diabetes mellitus and those with arterial hypertension had significantly lower rates of having electronic prescription service. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of digital health literacy and electronic prescription services in optimizing cardiological care for patients with acute coronary syndromes. These insights can inform strategies to improve patient outcomes through enhanced digital engagement and personalized care.