OBJECTIVES: Digital health applications (German abbreviation: DiGA) are officially prescribable in Germany since 2019. We aimed to survey the state of knowledge about DiGAs and the acceptance of such apps among patients in the GP care collective.

METHODS: We conducted an anonymous survey with 340 patients from 2021/09/06 to 2021/12/26. The structured, predominantly (semi-) quantitative questionnaire, contained questions about basic characteristics of patients, their IT affinity and existing DiGA indications, the level of knowledge about DiGAs and the acceptance of their use, with existing concerns and expectations.

RESULTS: None of the participating patients used a DiGA, while the willingness to use a DiGA was about 70%. Only 23% of the respondents were already familiar with DiGAs. 58% of those surveyed were affected by a DiGA indication, most commonly sleep disorders (n=60), nicotine consumption (n=47), diabetes mellitus (n=31), and being overweight (n=31). Subgroup analyzes showed the highest willingness to use DiGAs among young patients, patients with a university degree and patients with a high IT affinity. The greatest expectations of using a DiGA related to a positive effect on the disease and ease of use. The biggest concerns related to the security of their own data, also from access by health insurances. Additional outcomes and subgroup analyses will be presented.

CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the willingness to use DiGAs seems to be high among patients. Knowledge about DiGAs is limited, although many patients have indications for which an app would be available. In order to make use for as many patients as possible, education seems to be very important. This should include the existence of DiGAs, but also the possibly positive effects and data security. One of the limitations of this work is that it only covers the patient perspective. The prescribing doctor is surely a relevant part of the system as well.