1. INTRODUCTION
Changes and developments in the technology over the years have positively impacted healthcare services. All these advancements in the technology have contributed to digitalization of healthcare services.1 Digital health applications are widely used in the health sector, especially in the emergency room of the service, and intensive care services.2 Digital health aims to improve the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals as well as communication among healthcare professionals.3 Digital Health technologies enable patients to monitor their own health status and comply with the prescribed regimen and may enhance the relationship between patient and healthcare professionals.4 In recent years the number of digital hospitals has been increased in Turkey. Public hospitals are transforming into digital hospitals with the recommendation of the Ministry of Health. With this purpose public hospitals have started going thru HIMMS certification process to receive the level of 6 and 7 certification after complying with the criteria for each level of digitalization.
Corresponding author: Bahçelievler, 1835. Sk. No:4, 33140 Yenişehir/Mersin E mail: aydankayserili @ yahoo.com
To better understand the process leading to level 6 or 7 certification level as well as the use of telemedicine in public and private settings, we decided to conduct a study with the leaders of digitalization process. For this purpose, we targeted total of 20 hospitals including public hospitals with a level of 6 or 7 certification and private hospitals which are using digital healthcare services with no certification.