Survey shows: Patients are open to telemedicine, online consultation hours and big data

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60 percent of all German citizens can imagine having their health condition telemedically monitored in the event of illness – 20 percent of them would definitely do so.

These are the results of Bitkom Research, which commissioned the digital association Bitkom to survey 1009 consumers, ages 14 and up – including 783 Internet users – on the subject of telemedicine. This also includes telemonitoring and the online consultation hour. For example, the patient can transmit his vital signs such as blood pressure or blood sugar digitally to a hospital, which checks the data and notifies him of any irregularities. 33 percent of those questioned are interested in an online consultation with the doctor. 17 percent would definitely use it. At least 16 percent can imagine that. Half of the respondents find it interesting to consult doctors abroad via telemedicine. 8 percent would definitely use it. At least 42 percent are interested in it. 14 percent would agree to an operation with a ehealth-smart health connected specialist who assists the treating doctor. This is basically conceivable for 45 percent.

Chances and risks of the ehealth consultation

The study participants also provided information on the advantages and disadvantages of the online consultation. Patients see the three most important advantages in having easier access to physically distant doctors (57 percent), no waiting time as in practice (43 percent) and also no travel time (29 percent). The three main disadvantages of the ehealth consultation include: the potentially increasing risk of incorrect treatment 67 percent), a potentially worse doctor-patient ratio (52 percent) and the need for technical knowledge and equipment on both sides (43 percent).

Big Data for Research on Hereditary Diseases

The telemedical diagnosis of x-rays and the online consultation between doctor and patient, who already know each other, are becoming increasingly common. We have already reported what types of telemedicine are specifically permitted. Health insurance companies are also gaining initial experience with the online consultation in pilot projects. But digitalization offers far more options for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Thanks to modern data analysis – also known as big data – genetic material, for example, can be examined for health risks. 72 percent of the respondents would use this option. 38 percent of them in any case and 34 percent only for diseases that can also be treated.

Health data for research purposes

This health data could also be used for research purposes. 82 percent of those questioned are concerned that digitalization in medicine leads to increased misuse of health data. However, with optimal data protection, they are quite willing to provide information, for example on symptoms and the course of the disease, for research: 75 percent would do so if they could contribute to long-term research into a disease. 67 percent if they could help other patients in the short term. 61 percent would disclose their health data if it was used to develop medicines or therapies tailored to them. And 44 percent would provide their data if they were given financial incentives to do so.

More information about the Bitkom study >>

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