Physicians’ attitudes towards use of digital media in clinic and practice: a national NOGGO-AIO intergroup survey

Background Digitization is advancing in all areas of life, including everyday medical practice. The COVID 19 pandemic has accelerated the long-planned digitization of medicine. This survey is intended to clarify the extent to which digital media are used in patient care and to show advantages and problems.

Methods A nationwide web-based survey was conducted anonymously in 2021. The questions were designed to determine physicians' attitudes toward digital media and their use in clinical settings. Topics included were the impact of digitization on the doctor-patient relationship, the changes brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic and the potential of telemedicine.

Results A total of 289 physicians answered the survey, among them 165 gynecologists and 57 internists. 28.7% rated their institution as up-to-date regarding digitalization. Just under 25% use telemedicine for doctor-patient contact, with video consultations introduced largely as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic. 79,1% would like to see telemedicine expanded and 45.8% of all participants even assume that telemedicine will improve the doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusions Digitization in medicine has recently advanced rapidly as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, but most physicians surveyed would like to see more digital offerings in their day-to-day work and administrative support for its implementation. Telemedicine in particular is perceived as very positive if it has already been established, but still seems to be of limited use. Further studies should also consider the patient's perspective on telemedicine.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
11. Oktober 2022