["Morbus Google" vs. e-Health: A Qualitative Study of Acceptance and Implementation of Online-Aftercare in Inpatient Rehabilitation].

INTRODUCTION: Internet- and mobile-based health interventions (IMIs) e. g. in the form of internet-based aftercare can supplement existing treatments of inpatient rehabilitation. Acceptance presents a key precondition to the utilization and clinical implementation of new technologies and was examined in patients and health professionals with qualitative research methods.
METHODS: In 3 inpatient rehabilitation clinics with various diagnostic and age groups, we interviewed n=15 patients individually and n=29 health professionals of various occupational groups in focus groups based on the 'Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology'.
RESULTS: Benefits of online-aftercare were seen in the access to health information, motivation to health promotion or in monitoring or correcting health behavior. Occupational stress was not seen as an area of application. Reservations were expressed in terms of lack of trust in online contact. Overall, acceptance was higher in patients in comparison to health professionals.
CONCLUSION: Barriers of uptake or application of IMIs in rehabilitation exceed technical and demographic aspects and provide important information for specific facilitation of acceptance of patients as well as health professionals. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.