Mapping digital transformation and social impact in Italian healthcare: a holistic evaluation of organizational digital maturity

Abstract

Context: Digital transformation (DT) is a key driver of innovation in the healthcare sector, as it improves efficiency, quality, and patient outcomes. In the Italian public healthcare system, assessing digital organizational maturity is essential to evaluate the readiness and ability to effectively implement DT, particularly in chronic care management. Methods: This study used a multi-case approach to assess the digital organizational maturity of four Italian healthcare cases: “Silver Age - Multiple Screening”, “Telemedicine for Chronic Disease Care”, “Diabetes Network” and “Digital Healthcare Ecosystem”. The assessment applied a holistic maturity model comprising four sequential stages: awareness, readiness, planning, and execution. Data collection included direct observations, semi-structured interviews with organizational stakeholders, and analysis of institutional documents. Results: The analysis revealed different levels of digital maturity across the cases. Notable strengths were observed in strategic alignment and innovation, particularly in the “Digital Healthcare Ecosystem”. However, challenges remain in terms of scalability, interoperability, and comprehensive data management. Cases such as “Silver Age - Multiple Screening” identified critical gaps in stakeholder alignment and process integration, while “Telemedicine for Chronic Disease Care” demonstrated significant results in reducing hospital admissions but encountered barriers to adoption by end users. Conclusions: The findings highlight the critical role of structured digital maturity assessments in guiding healthcare organizations on their transformation journey. Addressing integration, workforce training, and strategic alignment is essential to achieving scalable and sustainable DT, especially in contexts involving chronic care management. This study underscores the value of a comprehensive maturity model for identifying gaps and providing targeted improvement strategies.