JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This study investigates patient use of health-related information and communication technologies (ICTs). The use of ICTs for medical purposes was investigated in this trial.

Objective:

The objective was to relate patient characteristics to the frequency of use of smartphone health apps and other ICTs.

Methods:

In this single-center, cross-sectional survey study in the outpatient department of a university hospital in Germany, patients completed a questionnaire with the following four domains: general information and the use of the internet, smartphones, and ICTs. Analyses were stratified by age group and highest education level achieved.

Results:

We found significant age-based differences in most of the evaluated aspects. Younger patients were more open to using new technologies in private and medical settings but had more security concerns. While searching for information on illnesses online was common, the overall acceptance of and trust in online consultations were rather low, with less than 50% of patients in each age group reporting acceptance and trust. More people with academic qualifications than those without academic qualifications searched for information online before visiting physicians (60.3% and 41.7%, respectively). Patients with academic degrees were also more engaged in health-related ICT use.

Conclusions:

These results support the need for eHealth literacy (eHL), health literacy (HL), and available digital devices and internet access to support the active, meaningful use of ICTs in health care. Uncertainties and a lack of knowledge exist, especially regarding telemedicine and the use of medical and health apps. This is especially pronounced among older patients and patients with a low education status. Clinical Trial: n/a