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Bitkom study: Germans are open to digital health
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Germans have a positive attitude towards digitalization in the healthcare system, even when it comes to their patient data. This is shown by a Bitkom study.
32 percent of those surveyed stated that they had already received examination results such as MRI findings on CD, and another 43 percent would like to receive the results digitally in the future. This was the result of a survey that the Bitkom digital association together with the Bavarian TelemedAllianz (BTA). Almost 60 percent want to use the electronic patient record. 74 percent of Germans want to determine themselves which doctors are allowed to access their digital patient data. However, 60 percent also state that they would agree that treating physicians view the data and pass it on to other treating doctors. 32 percent would also transfer this decision to family members. However, only 24 percent would agree that the health insurance company controls the health data.
Health apps and eHealth services on the rise
45 percent of all smartphone owners already use health apps. These record body and fitness data in order to improve one's own health. Another 45 percent can imagine using such apps in the future. However, Germans also value practical digital health services such as making appointments online or remembering online appointments: 18 percent have already made a doctor's appointment online, 40 percent can imagine doing so in the future. 14 percent are already reminded of appointments and medical checkups by SMS or email, 45 percent would like this additional service for the future.
Telemedicine easily imaginable for patients
But the Germans are also open to scenarios that are a little further in the future: 48 percent can imagine having themselves operated by specialists who are supported from afar. 45 percent can also imagine consulting doctors and specialists abroad, for example to get a second opinion. However, only 31 percent consider telemedical monitoring of their own health to be conceivable in the future.
Many Germans find out about health online
88 percent find out about health issues, and more than half use the Internet for this. One in five Internet users even researches health issues online at least once a month. 51 percent find information on general health portals, but also on websites of hospitals (31 percent) or doctors (26 percent). 61 percent of those surveyed received valuable tips on their internet research on health topics. 48 percent believe that the Internet helps them to act more confidently towards the doctor. And every third person even understands his doctor better. This online research has ramifications. 20 percent have already been prescribed medication or therapy by their doctor because they asked for it after an internet search. 12 percent have already given up taking a drug entirely after doing research on the Internet. Ten percent state that they have changed the dosage of a drug prescribed by the doctor after researching the network.
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