A data analysis by BearingPoint shows that people in Germany have already become increasingly open to digitized healthcare solutions, partly because of the pandemic situation.
The consulting firm, which specializes in management and technology consulting, used its latest trend study „Smart Health,“ to find that people in this country are becoming more comfortable trusting digitized technology in healthcare. In 2021, for example, 53 percent of consumers believe in the benefits of fitness trackers, video consultations and electronic patient records. On the other hand, however, it is alarming, analysts say, that 34 percent of people have not yet heard of an electronic patient record.
As practical experience and use of wearables, apps, trackers and the like increases alongside growing acceptance of digitization, the technology-savvy group of consumers for digital health solutions is also growing rapidly.
In 2017, 66 percent of the German population was skeptical about the data security in Germany. Today, the group of smart technology users has quadrupled compared to 2017 data, with 20- to 40-year-olds predominating at nearly half. A third of all respondents in the study have already had experiences that were consistently positive.
The German population not only trusts smart applications, they are also using them more and more. While in 2017, for example, only 18 percent used smartphones and tablets to monitor and optimize their health, the figure is currently already 37 percent. Fitness wristbands and wearables are even more popular. Here, usage has increased from eight percent in 2017 to 30 percent. In addition, people are becoming more willing to share relevant health data with medical institutions. With GP practices, 71 percent of respondents would share data, but with health insurers only half of the participants in the analysis.
People also rank robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) for medical care higher. 27 percent would trust AI to make a diagnosis, up from just 12 percent in 2017. 32 percent would even have no qualms about trusting robotics for surgeries. Four years ago, it was only 19 percent. In addition, trust in 3-D printers for organ transplants is on the rise.
BearingPoint experts believe that the Corona pandemic has increased innovation and trust, which is why there is a need to invest in applications that are easy to use and in raising awareness of digital offerings.
Source: www.e-health-com.de