Innovative digital health solutions: Use and acceptance among patients and professionals, and the influence of the regulatory framework - a survey-based distinction.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Digital solutions are gaining increasing importance and present a challenge regarding the introduction and acceptance into professional medical environments. The latter aspect is largely caused by regulatory and legislative burdens hindering the adoption of new technologies. Although significant advances have been made regarding availability, safety, and ease of use of data generated by a multitude of devices and wearables, data security and data protection are delaying factors. The underlying analysis focuses on the use, acceptance of digital solutions and their respective differences between healthcare professionals and patients. Objective: This study examines the current use and acceptance of digital solutions among healthcare professionals and patients within the regulatory framework in Germany. In addition, it derives an outlook to future developments and expectations in the setting of highly regulated technologies able to penetrate the health market. Methods: An anonymous online survey of 23 multiple-choice and 3 open-text questions was conducted among medical professionals and patients between April and September 2023. In this study, quantitative analysis was performed using Python, with Pandas for data processing and Matplotlib for visualization. Chi-square tests were used to analyze binary categorical data, while Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluate ordinal data. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was conducted to summarize the results of the open-ended questions. Results: During 178 days, the survey garnered 2,058 clicks, resulting in 1,389 participants (67.5% response rate). A total of 1,002 participants completed the entire questionnaire, while 387 (27.9%) did not finish. Incomplete responses were excluded from the comprehensive analysis. The sample comprised 271 physicians (27%) and 731 patients (73%). The study found significant agreement between both groups in adopting and foreseeing the use of digital health tools and telemedicine. Both groups recognized the future importance of digital health without substantial differences. Conclusions: Overall, attitudes towards digital health and telemedicine were consistent, reflecting a uniform acceptance and expectation of these technologies among healthcare professionals and patients. The consensus on telemedicine's future role over the next five years indicates a unified vision for digital health paradigms.