What is digital health?

Digital health, also known as e-health, refers to all digital technologies applied to the healthcare sector. It relies on the use of data, digital tools, and digital services to improve prevention, diagnosis, care, and patient follow-up.

It includes, for example:

• The Shared Medical Record (DMP) and Mon espace santé
• Telemedicine (teleconsultation, telemonitoring)
• Health monitoring apps
• Connected medical devices
• Artificial intelligence, to aid in diagnosis
• Health data analytics
• Secure health data exchange systems
• Digital coordination platforms

Digital health is not limited to technology. It involves a comprehensive transformation of the healthcare system, organizations, and professional practices.

A profound change in the healthcare system

Digital transformation in healthcare has several objectives:

• Improving access to care: Thanks to digital services, patients can consult a healthcare professional remotely, access their health data, or schedule appointments online.
• Enhancing the quality and continuity of care: Secure data sharing enables better coordination among stakeholders in the system. Information flows more quickly, and decisions are better informed.
• Optimizing the efficiency of the healthcare system: Digital tools streamline administrative processes, reduce certain wait times, and enable better resource allocation.

The entire healthcare sector is affected by the development of digital health: hospitals, long-term care facilities, primary care, health insurance, research...

What impact does this have on patients?

Digital health places the patient at the center of the healthcare system.

In this evolving system, the patient becomes an active participant. They can independently access their data and health metrics and communicate more easily with the healthcare professionals involved in their care journey.

Furthermore, digital services and tools provide tangible benefits to patients. For example, telehealth improves access to care for people living in underserved areas, which facilitates follow-up and reduces geographic disparities in care. Care is also enhanced through connected devices and apps, which continuously collect health data, enabling more personalized care tailored to the patient’s needs.

Major Digital Health Initiatives in France

France has structured its e-health strategy around several national plans.

The digital health roadmap, led by the Ministerial Delegation for Digital Health (DNS) and supported by the Digital Health Agency (ANS), sets priorities regarding interoperability, cybersecurity, and core digital services.

The “France 2030” plan allocates several million euros to developing innovation in healthcare and supporting the industrial sector. The goal is to strengthen technological sovereignty and competitiveness in the European market, while fostering the emergence of innovative digital health solutions in France.

Furthermore, numerous stakeholders and public agencies, such as the Digital Health Agency (ANS), are also deploying digital services on a large scale. The “Mon espace santé” service, secure health messaging systems, and the implementation of the National Health Identity are all contributing to the transformation of the healthcare system.

Finally, research and training are also central to this strategy. Universities and schools are integrating digital health into various curricula to meet the growing demand for skills. The Agence du Numérique en Santé makes the free ANS Formation platform available to everyone to support skill development in digital health topics. 

All of these initiatives aim to strengthen the integration of digital health into the French healthcare system and position the country as a major player in Europe in this sector.

A rapidly growing sector

Digital health is a strategic sector for France and for Europe.

The European Health Data Space (EEDS) Regulation, which took effect in March 2025, aims to establish a harmonized framework for data sharing within the European Union, as well as to create a single market for electronic health record (EHR) solutions. 

The sector is experiencing strong growth: startups, major corporations, healthcare facilities, and research organizations are collaborating to develop new technologies.

In this regard, the sector relies on public entities, as well as healthcare facilities, companies specializing in digital technologies, and research laboratories.

The development of this sector creates jobs and requires a variety of profiles: engineers, data scientists, healthcare professionals trained in digital technology, cybersecurity experts, lawyers specializing in health data...

The Challenges of Digital Health

E-health faces major challenges:

• Data protection: Cyberattacks targeting healthcare facilities serve as a reminder to everyone of the importance of ensuring the security of health data.
• System interoperability: Digital services must communicate with one another to ensure continuity in the care pathway.
• Educating professionals and patients: Professionals must master these new technologies, while patients must be supported to prevent a digital divide in usage.
• Ethical and regulatory framework: Strict regulations must be put in place to ensure the responsible use of digital tools and services.

Digital health is not merely a modernization of the current healthcare system, but a new way of thinking about care—one that is more fluid, more human, and forward-looking.