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Journal of Medical Internet Research
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
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Digital Transformation of Rheumatology Care in Germany: Cross-Sectional National Survey

Authors: Susann May; Robert Darkow; Johannes Knitza; Katharina Boy; Philipp Klemm; Martin Heinze; Nicolas Vuillerme; +7 Authors

Digital Transformation of Rheumatology Care in Germany: Cross-Sectional National Survey

Abstract

Background In recent years, health care has undergone a rapid and unprecedented digital transformation. In many fields of specialty care, such as rheumatology, this shift is driven by the growing number of patients and limited resources, leading to increased use of digital health technologies (DHTs) to maintain high-quality clinical care. Previous studies examined user acceptance of individual DHTs in rheumatology, such as telemedicine, video consultations, and mHealth. However, it is essential to conduct cross-technology and continuous analyses of user acceptance and DHT use to maximize the benefits for all relevant stakeholders. Objective This study aimed to explore the current acceptance, use, and preferences regarding DHTs among patients in rheumatology care in Germany. Methods Rheumatology patients from 3 clinics in Germany were surveyed to understand their perspectives on DHTs. The survey included main themes, including acceptance, preferences, COVID-19’s impact, potential, and barriers related to DHTs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results Out of 337 participants, 53% (179/337) reported using DHTs. Specific technologies included wearables (72/337, 21%), mHealth apps (71/337, 21%), digital therapeutics (32/337, 9%), electronic prescriptions (30/337, 9%), video consultations (15/337, 4%), and at-home blood self-sampling (3/337, 1%). Nearly two-thirds (220/337, 65%) found DHTs useful, and 69% (233/337) held a generally positive attitude toward DHTs. Attitudes shifted positively during the COVID-19 pandemic for 40% (135/337) of participants. Higher education was more prevalent among DHT users (114/179, 63.7%) compared with nonusers (42/151, 27.8%; P=.02). The main potential benefits identified were location-independent use (244/337, 72%) and time-independent use (216/337, 64%). Key barriers included insufficient user knowledge (165/337, 49%) and limited information on DHTs (134/337, 40%). Conclusions Patient acceptance and use of DHTs in rheumatology is increasing in Germany. A prospective, standardized monitoring of digital transformation in rheumatology care is highly needed.

Country
Austria
Keywords

Male, Adult, telehealth, Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics, rheumatology, digital health, R858-859.7, rheumatism, perspective, perception, experience, Rheumatology, Germany, Surveys and Questionnaires, Humans, survey, preference, Aged, Original Paper, SARS-CoV-2, questionnaire, opinion, national, digital health technologies, COVID-19, Middle Aged, Telemedicine, Europe, Cross-Sectional Studies, attitude, correlation, eHealth, Female, telemedicine, use, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270, acceptance

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    popularity
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    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
1
Average
Average
Average
Green
gold