This study aims to investigate differences in perception of barriers and facilitators of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in healthcare across different generational groups (youth, working-age adults, and seniors). The results will help create practical recommendations for public health projects and consultants to support fair and inclusive use of new digital tools in healthcare. A cross-sectional online survey will be conducted among students at HAW, patients and employees in the rehabilitation center in Oldenburg, and seniors participating in the "Digital im Alter"(DIA) project.

This study will use an online questionnaire to collect data from respondents about their attitudes toward digital technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare, as well as their opinions about barriers and facilitators for the equal adoption of modern technologies. The survey will be conducted in November to December 2025.

The survey will use validated scales, including the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and the Human-Computer Trust Scale (HCTS), combined with additional items assessing perceived barriers and facilitators. Open-ended questions will allow participants to express their views on barriers and facilitators in their own words and from their perspective.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 or older
• Belonging to one of the defined participant groups
• Consent to participate in the online survey
• Ability to participate in the survey (e.g., sufficient German or English language skills)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals under 18
• Inability to give informed consent
• Illiteracy

The study population is chosen in a way that the cohorts can cover all three generations required for the comparative study. Therefore, the cohorts in this study are:

• Students at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.
• Seniors participating in "Digital in Old Age" training courses.
• Patients and employees at a rehabilitation center in Oldenburg.