Z Orthop Unfall 2021; 159(03): 259-265
DOI: 10.1055/a-1141-4274
Original Article/Originalarbeit

The Digital Healthcare Act – a Turning Point in the German Digitisation Strategy?

Results of a Survey in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery Article in several languages: English | deutsch
Florian Dittrich
1   Klinik für Orthopädie und Orthopädische Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes und Medizinische Fakultät der Universität des Saarlandes, Homburg
2   Gelenkzentrum Bergisch Land, Fabricius Klinik Remscheid
,
Urs-Vito Albrecht
3   Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, TU Brunswick and Medical College Hannover
,
Ute von Jan
3   Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, TU Brunswick and Medical College Hannover
,
Christin Malinka
3   Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics, TU Brunswick and Medical College Hannover
,
Jörg Ansorg
4   Director, Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery Professional Association e. V., Berlin
,
Jochen Jung
5   Department of Orthopaedics, Diakonie Hospital Bad Kreuznach
,
AG Digitalisierung,
David Alexander Back
7   Department of Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedics, Septic and Reconstructive Surgery, Bundeswehr Hospital Berlin
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

The recently ratified Digital Healthcare Act – DVG – has paved the way, among other issues, for the prescription of health apps. The German DVG creates an entitlement to health apps for the very first time. However, this entitlement is initially limited to low-risk medical devices that have been included in the publicly accessible Register for Digital Health Applications by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. Listing in the register is granted, if the manufacturer has submitted a health app and verified that it meets basic requirements for medical devices and data security as well as positive health care effects. It is questionable, whether the DVG will lead to sustainable improvements in future patient care. In order to pursue this question and align the DGOUCʼs digitization strategy closely with its basis, an online survey was conducted among the respective members on the DVGʼs content and its associated opportunities and risks. A total of 461 German-speaking, predominantly male, experienced and elderly physicians in leading positions took part in the survey. In this study, it was shown that the majority of the participating German orthopaedic and trauma surgeons is not familiar with the DVGʼs contents. Despite a fundamentally positive attitude towards digitization, scepticism about the use of “apps on prescription” and potential risks still prevails at present. The closing of ranks between medicine, IT and the legislature via interdisciplinary expert groups and the involvement of medical societies might be obligatory.



Publication History

Article published online:
04 May 2020

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