Background:
Keywords: Digital health, technology acceptance, mental health, health
professions, preferences
Germany has a pioneering role in implementing digital therapeutics (DTx or
German "DiGA"), enabling insured adults to access reimbursable digital medical
applications for various conditions, such as depression, back pain or anxiety
disorders. Despite their potential to enhance prevention and healthcare
efficiency, the adoption of DiGA remains relatively slow. Barriers include limited
awareness, integration challenges, and insufficient information for health
professionals. Given the increasing importance of digital health solutions in
healthcare systems, understanding professional acceptance and information
needs is crucial for successful implementation.
Methods
This research explores the acceptance of DiGA among different health
professions, including general practitioners, occupational physicians,
psychotherapists, and physiotherapists. A mixed-methods approach combining
qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data and a discrete-choice
experiment to analyze information preferences and key factors influencing
professional adoption and use of digital health interventions among health
professionals.
Conclusions
By identifying determinants of acceptance and the most effective methods for
communicating relevant information to health professionals based on their
needs and preferences, the findings will contribute to the development of
targeted strategies to enhance digital health competencies and facilitate broader
implementation of digital therapeutics in routine care. This research integrates
diverse perspectives on the user-centered adoption of digital therapeutics,
offering insights from qualitative and quantitative research to provide a
comprehensive understanding of professional acceptance and information
preferences. The discussion will highlight implications for healthcare policy,
medical education, and digital health implementation.