Julian Wangler1, Michael Jansky2. 1. Zentrum für Allgemeinmedizin und Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Am Pulverturm 13, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland. julian.wangler@unimedizin-mainz.de. 2. Zentrum für Allgemeinmedizin und Geriatrie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Am Pulverturm 13, 55131, Mainz, Deutschland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: For almost two years, physicians have been able to prescribe digital health applications (DiGA) to patients. So far, there has been a lack of studies that shed light on the possible use of DiGA in the context of primary care and take stock of the benefits and potential for optimization. OBJECTIVES: This study explores general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes, expectations, and experiences with regard to the application potential of DiGA. METHODS: In the spring of 2022, all 13,913 general practitioners in the federal states Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland were invited to take part in an online survey. Included in the evaluation were 3829 completed questionnaires (response rate: 28%). A t-test on independent samples was used to determine significant differences between two groups. Moreover, a factor analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A majority of those surveyed consider DiGA to be reliable (67%) and secure (61%) applications. In addition, 22% trust themselves to competently advise patients on DiGA, 14% have already prescribed DiGA, and 13% plan to do so. Of the GPs with DiGA experience, 83% rate the prescribed applications as useful. Observed healthcare effects mainly relate to the improvement of compliance (95%), mobility (94%), and education (93%) as well as weight reduction (82%). The respondents suggest further optimization of DIGA, especially with regard to usability (59%), systematic further training of doctors (52%), and the expansion of gamification elements (49%). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to better inform GPs about the basics of the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG) and to address concerns in a targeted manner. Comprehensive training courses that explain the framework conditions and advantages of using DiGA appear to be crucial. There is also a need for more well-founded sources of information and research for doctors.
BACKGROUND: For almost two years, physicians have been able to prescribe digital health applications (DiGA) to patients. So far, there has been a lack of studies that shed light on the possible use of DiGA in the context of primary care and take stock of the benefits and potential for optimization. OBJECTIVES: This study explores general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes, expectations, and experiences with regard to the application potential of DiGA. METHODS: In the spring of 2022, all 13,913 general practitioners in the federal states Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland were invited to take part in an online survey. Included in the evaluation were 3829 completed questionnaires (response rate: 28%). A t-test on independent samples was used to determine significant differences between two groups. Moreover, a factor analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A majority of those surveyed consider DiGA to be reliable (67%) and secure (61%) applications. In addition, 22% trust themselves to competently advise patients on DiGA, 14% have already prescribed DiGA, and 13% plan to do so. Of the GPs with DiGA experience, 83% rate the prescribed applications as useful. Observed healthcare effects mainly relate to the improvement of compliance (95%), mobility (94%), and education (93%) as well as weight reduction (82%). The respondents suggest further optimization of DIGA, especially with regard to usability (59%), systematic further training of doctors (52%), and the expansion of gamification elements (49%). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to better inform GPs about the basics of the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG) and to address concerns in a targeted manner. Comprehensive training courses that explain the framework conditions and advantages of using DiGA appear to be crucial. There is also a need for more well-founded sources of information and research for doctors.
Authors: Aaron R Scott; Elizabeth A Alore; Aanand D Naik; David H Berger; James W Suliburk Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2017-02-08 Impact factor: 4.773
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