JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

There is an incremental use of technology in health care delivery. Feasibility, acceptability as well as efficacy of interventions based on internet technologies are supported by a growing body of evidence.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to investigate attitudes of the general adult population in Germany with regard to remote, internet-based interaction (email, videoconference, electronic medical records, apps).

Methods:

A representative nationwide survey was carried out.

Results:

22.5% out of n = 2428 survey participants stated to use the internet neither for work, nor in private. The “non-user” phenotype can be described as being older, having lower educational and income status and living in less populated areas. The majority of participants within the cohort of “internet users” reported that they would not consider the use of email, teleconference, video psychotherapy, electronic medical records or apps for the purpose of medical consultation or treatment. Older age and lower educational level were the most robust predictors of assumed future denial of use.

Conclusions:

Our results point towards some skepticism among the general population concerning the use of telemedicine. It also seems that those who might benefit from telemedical interventions the most, are, in fact, those who are most hesitating. The skepticism towards eHealth should be considered prior to designing and providing future telemedical care, supporting the need for easy-to-use, data secure solutions.