JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

A few studies have identified the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists. However, studies are missing using nationally representative data from middle-aged and older adults in Germany.

Objective:

To determine the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists in Germany.

Methods:

For this study, cross-sectional data were taken from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey (n=3,067 in the analytical sample, June and July 2020). The frequency of online consultations with doctors or therapists served as dependent variable (daily; several times a week; once a week; 1-3 times a month; less often; never).

Results:

In sum, about 10% of the individuals with access to the internet used online consultations with doctors or therapists. Multiple logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of using online consultations with doctors or therapists (compared to never using such services) was positively associated with higher education (compared to medium education, OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.70), living with partner in the same household (compared to single, OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.05-2.22), worse self-rated health (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.16-1.74), increased loneliness (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10-1.90), and increased satisfaction with life (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03-1.64).

Conclusions:

Study findings suggest that a non-negligible proportion of about one out of ten middle-aged and older individuals used online consultations with doctors or therapist. However, compared to other countries (e.g., United States), this proportion is still small. Knowledge about the correlates of (non-)use may assist in identifying corresponding individuals. In times of reshaping the healthcare system, these efforts in telemedicine or telehealth tools may contribute to addressing patient needs. Moreover, an increased use of such services may decrease the risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 by reducing social contacts.