JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In recent years, healthcare 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 (DHT) to maintain high-quality clinical care. Prior studies examined user acceptance towards individual DHT in rheumatology, such as telemedicine, video consultations and mHealth. However, it’s essential to conduct cross-technology and continuous analyses of user acceptance and DHT utilization to maximize the benefits for all relevant stakeholders.

Objective:

To explore the current acceptance, usage and preferences on DHT among patients in rheumatology care in Germany.

Methods:

Rheumatology patients from three clinics in Germany were surveyed to understand their perspectives on DHT. The survey included main themes, including acceptance, preferences, COVID-19's impact, potentials, and barriers related to DHT. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.

Results:

More than half (53%) of 337 patients reported that they use DHT. Overall, 21% used wearables, 21% used mhealth apps, 9% used digital therapeutics (DiGA), 9% used electronic prescription, 4% used video consultations and 1% used at-home blood self-sampling. Nearly two thirds of the participants (65%) rated DHT as useful. While 69% reported a generally positive attitude toward DHT, about 40% mentioned their attitudes became more positive due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Main potentials of DHT reported by the participants were location-independent (72%) and time-independent use (64%). Main barriers included insufficient knowledge among users (49%) and limited information about DHT (40%).

Conclusions:

Patient acceptance and usage towards DHT in rheumatology is increasing in Germany. A prospective, standardized monitoring of digital transformation in rheumatology care is highly needed.