Embracing digital health: German otolaryngology patients’ usage and prospects of digital information and communication technologies for cross-sectoral care

Abstract

Objective: The usage of digital information and communication technologies in European healthcare is growing. Unlike numerous technological possibilities, the present use of these technologies and perspectives towards them in relation to otolaryngology care have so far been of less interest. This study evaluates the utilisation of and attitudes towards digital information and communication technologies in cross-sectoral otolaryngology care among German patients. Methods: A structured interview-based study was conducted at the outpatient facility of a tertiary hospital in Germany. It focused on chief complaints, current use of digital technologies, estimated benefits of increased digital technology use in otolaryngology care, and sociodemographic data. The detailed statistical analysis employed Chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 208 otolaryngology patients completed the interview. Digital communication technologies exhibited a high penetration rate (91.8%) and were regularly used in daily life (78.7%) and for health reasons (73.3%). Younger age ( p ≤ 0.003) and higher education levels ( p ≤ 0.008) were significantly correlated with the increased digital communication technology use. The overall potential of eHealth technologies was rated significantly higher by younger patients ( p ≤ 0.001). The patients’ chief complaints showed no significant influence on the current and potential use of these technologies for cross-sectoral otolaryngology care. Conclusion: Regardless of their chief complaints, German otolaryngology patients regularly use digital information and communication technologies for health reasons and express interest in their further use for cross-sectoral care. To enhance digital patient communication in otolaryngology, attention should be given to treatment quality, usability, data security and availability and financial remuneration for service providers.