ArticleJournal of medical Internet research2025
Digital Transformation of Rheumatology Care in Germany: Cross-Sectional National Survey.
Article in Journal of medical Internet research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Digital Behavioral Therapy Improves Outcome in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis and Persistent Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.Arthritis care & research · 2026Trial
- Experiences of rheumatoid arthritis patients with digital health technologies in self-management: a qualitative study.Rheumatology international · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
14 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundIn recent years, health care has undergone a rapid and unprecedented digital transformation. In many fields of specialty care, such as rheumatology, this shift is driven by the growing number of patients and limited resources, leading to increased use of digital health technologies (DHTs) to maintain high-quality clinical care. Previous studies examined user acceptance of individual DHTs in rheumatology, such as telemedicine, video consultations, and mHealth. However, it is essential to conduct cross-technology and continuous analyses of user acceptance and DHT use to maximize the benefits for all relevant stakeholders.
objectiveThis study aimed to explore the current acceptance, use, and preferences regarding DHTs among patients in rheumatology care in Germany.
methodsRheumatology patients from 3 clinics in Germany were surveyed to understand their perspectives on DHTs. The survey included main themes, including acceptance, preferences, COVID-19's impact, potential, and barriers related to DHTs. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis.
resultsOut of 337 participants, 53% (179/337) reported using DHTs. Specific technologies included wearables (72/337, 21%), mHealth apps (71/337, 21%), digital therapeutics (32/337, 9%), electronic prescriptions (30/337, 9%), video consultations (15/337, 4%), and at-home blood self-sampling (3/337, 1%). Nearly two-thirds (220/337, 65%) found DHTs useful, and 69% (233/337) held a generally positive attitude toward DHTs. Attitudes shifted positively during the COVID-19 pandemic for 40% (135/337) of participants. Higher education was more prevalent among DHT users (114/179, 63.7%) compared with nonusers (42/151, 27.8%; P=.02). The main potential benefits identified were location-independent use (244/337, 72%) and time-independent use (216/337, 64%). Key barriers included insufficient user knowledge (165/337, 49%) and limited information on DHTs (134/337, 40%).
conclusionsPatient acceptance and use of DHTs in rheumatology is increasing in Germany. A prospective, standardized monitoring of digital transformation in rheumatology care is highly needed.
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