Majority of medical professionals in Germany view artificial intelligence as a potential boon for the field of medicine.
Artificial Intelligence and Electronic Patient Records Transform German Medical Care
The ongoing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) is reshaping the landscape of medical care in Germany. A study by the digital association Bitkom reveals that 78% of German doctors view AI as a promising opportunity for the medical sector, with 60% anticipating improved diagnoses in specific cases. Simultaneously, 76% of respondents advocate for stringent regulation.
Approximately 15% of doctors working in practices or medical care centers already employ AI, primarily for diagnostic support or administrative tasks. The percentage climbs to 18% among those in clinics, primarily for the evaluation of imaging procedures. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst explains the potential benefits of AI, stating, "AI can make medical care more tailored and efficient, particularly in prevention and therapy." AI has the capacity to alleviate the burden on doctors' practices and clinics, offering various advantages such as more precise diagnoses, automated documentation, and intelligent scheduling. This, in turn, frees up more time for patient care.
While 68% of respondents expressed a willingness to adopt the electronic patient record, 77% expressed concerns about being unprepared for its use. Launched nationwide following a trial phase, the use of electronic patient records remains voluntary for doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals, with mandatory use planned for October 1, 2025. Patients also have the option to opt out.
Key benefits of EPRs, as seen by doctors, include avoiding duplicate examinations (73%), enabling faster diagnosis through access to medical history (60%), and preventing medication interactions (59%). However, concerns loom over data privacy and security, and ethical considerations regarding the impact on patient care and the healthcare workforce.
Regarding challenges, the upcoming EU AI Act poses regulatory hurdles for manufacturers of AI systems in medical devices, requiring rigorous compliance with stringent regulations. Public trust and risk perception are equally essential for the successful implementation of AI. Ensuring reliability, transparency, and avoiding potential risks are key factors in influencing public support. Seamless integration of AI systems with existing healthcare infrastructure and EPRs will require significant investment in infrastructure and training for healthcare professionals.
- The employment policy for AI integration in the medical sector should address the need for rigorous training of healthcare professionals to ensure seamless integration with Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) and existing healthcare infrastructure.
- The community policy regarding the adoption of Electronic Patient Records (EPRs) needs to address the concerns of medical professionals, particularly their readiness for using EPRs and ensuring data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in patient care.
- In the development of the employment policy for AI and EPRs, it is crucial to incorporate the latest advancements in science, technology, and artificial intelligence, and address medical-conditions and health-and-wellness concerns in a manner that improves diagnoses, treatment, and overall health outcomes.
