Exploring patient–physician relationship in digital health: Insights through a dual perspective approach using “Health Equity Implementation Framework”

Background Digital health is reshaping primary care delivery, with potential consequences for the patient–physician relationship and equitable access to care. However, few studies have examined these impacts from patient and physician perspectives in high-income primary care systems using an explicit health equity lens.Objective The study explores how digital health affects the patient–physician relationship in public primary care from patient and physician perspectives and identifies factors influencing equitable adoption.Method We conducted a qualitative descriptive study through individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) with twelve doctors and nine patients from six public primary care clinics in Singapore. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and mapped to the Health Equity Implementation Framework (HEIF).Results Both groups expressed favorable views on video consultations and home monitoring tools, noting improved access and convenience. However, patients reported feeling more distant from doctors and preferred in-person consultations for complex issues. Equity-related concerns included privacy, uneven digital readiness, language barriers, and socioeconomic constraints.Conclusions Digital health can transform access and support continuity but may weaken relational trust and widen inequities. Human-centered digital innovations – supported by robust privacy safeguards, targeted digital literacy support, patient co-production, and policies subsidizing devices and connectivity – are critical for maintaining patient–physician relationships while reducing the digital divide.