Methods Inf Med 2006; 45(04): 367-376
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634090
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

Evaluation of Health-related Internet Use in Germany

C. Birkmann
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
,
R. C. Dumitru
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
,
H.-U. Prokosch
1   Department of Medical Informatics, Friedrich-Alexander-University, Erlangen, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2018 (online)

Summary

Objective: An eHealth survey was conducted in a major Bavarian region in order to evaluate health-related Internet use in Germany.

Methods: A specific questionnaire was developed by the authors to collect sociodemographic data as well as data on general and health-related Internet use. This questionnaire was distributed to patients visiting medical practices in the above mentioned Bavarian region.

Results: Whereas many Internet users look for health-related information and products on the Internet, more advanced web-based techniques such as chat rooms and electronic patient records are hardly used.

Conclusions: Although modern information technologies have the potential to enable citizens to handle their own health-related information in a self-determined and informed manner, at present the general population in Germany is hardly taking this opportunity.