The Impact of Digital Transformation on Public Administration: Enhancing Accountability and Creating Public Value through Technological Innovations in the Healthcare Sector

This study explores the impact of Digital Transformation (DT) as a technological innovation (TI) on public administration (PA) in the healthcare sector, focusing on enhancing accountability and creating public value (PV). DT is reshaping public organizations by improving efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. The healthcare sector, being vital to public service, is an ideal field to assess how digital innovations enhance quality, accessibility, and responsiveness. Using a systematic literature review (SLR) and an empirical case study of Chiari Hospital in Lombardy (Italy), the research identifies key factors influencing successful DT implementation. It examines how digital technologies foster two-way communication between citizens and healthcare providers, strengthening service delivery, transparency, and accountability. The relationship between DT and PV creation is analyzed, highlighting improvements in efficiency, responsiveness, and citizen trust. The findings stress the need for robust digital infrastructures, a skilled workforce, and citizen-centered strategies to maximize DT’s benefits. A conceptual framework is proposed to guide healthcare administrators and policymakers in aligning DT initiatives with accountability and public value goals. By integrating DT, accountability, and PV dimensions, the study offers practical insights into achieving better healthcare outcomes and increasing public trust. Ultimately, this research contributes to the debate on digital government and public sector innovation, offering evidence on how DT can enhance accountability and service delivery in healthcare.