Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40604824›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Acceptance and perceived usefulness of digital health services in the management of chronic urticaria: a survey of patients and physicians.

Michael Hindelang, Alexander Zink, Johannes Knitza, Robert Darkow, Martin Welcker, Tilo Biedermann, Susann May, Felix Muehlensiepen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Digital health applications, telemedicine and large language models in dermatology: results of a Germany-wide survey.Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft = Journal of the German Society of Dermatology : JDDG · 2026
    Article
  2. Article
  3. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Michael HindelangTUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Alexander ZinkTUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Johannes KnitzaInstitute for Digital Medicine, University Hospital of Giessen and Marburg, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Robert DarkowFH| JOANNEUM Gesellschaft mbH, Graz, Austria.
Martin WelckerMVZ for Rheumatology Dr. Martin Welcker GmbH, Planegg, Germany.
Tilo BiedermannTUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
Susann May *Center for Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany.
Felix Muehlensiepen *Center for Health Services Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Rüdersdorf, Germany. Felix.Muehlensiepen@mhb-fontane.de.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundChronic urticaria (CU) is a complex and unpredictable skin condition that significantly affects patients’ quality of life. As the healthcare landscape increasingly integrates digital health technologies, understanding their perceived usefulness in CU management from both patient and physician perspectives is crucial.

objectiveThis study investigates the acceptance, perceived usefulness, and potential barriers to using digital health services, such as medical apps and video consultations, among patients with CU and their healthcare providers.

methodsA quantitative survey was conducted across multiple specialized centers, specialist clinics, and general practices, involving both patients and physicians. The study utilized standardized questionnaires to assess digital health literacy, technology readiness, and attitudes toward adopting digital health services in CU management. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Fisher’s exact test, were employed to analyze the data.

resultsA substantial proportion of the 121 surveyed patients and 101 physicians perceived digital health technologies as beneficial in managing CU, with 59.5% of patients and 75.3% of physicians agreeing on their advantages. However, 21.5% of patients and 14.9% of physicians remained neutral, while 8.3% of patients and 4.0% of physicians found these technologies unhelpful. Key barriers to adoption were identified, including concerns over data privacy, limitations in technical infrastructure, and a lack of awareness of available digital health solutions.

conclusionWhile many patients and physicians recognize the potential of digital health technology to improve urticaria management, some remain uncertain or skeptical. Addressing concerns and improving digital understanding is critical to the future implementation and integration of these technologies into care. Due to the cross-sectional design of the study and the self-reported data, further research may be needed to confirm these results.

Indexed as

Attitude of Health PersonnelChronic UrticariaPatient Acceptance of Health CarePhysiciansUrticariaAdultChronic DiseaseCross-Sectional StudiesDigital HealthFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSurveys and QuestionnairesTelemedicineBarriers to adoptionChronic urticariaDermatologyDigital healthTechnology acceptanceUser perspectives

Identifiers

PMID40604824
PMCPMC12224775

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.