Health apps Sensitive health information is shared on an ongoing basis

Modern communication technologies and health apps could revolutionize the medical world in the future, but many smartphone users are obviously concerned about sharing their health information. According to a survey by digital association Bitkom, two-thirds of smartphone users would not forward their data to the health insurance fund.

According to the IT association, the health apps for the smartphone can "measure a variety of important health data that is useful for the prevention or treatment of diseases." However, only one in three smartphone users (37 percent) can imagine this According to the results of the representative population survey commissioned by Bitkom, data is forwarded to the own health insurance fund. Significantly higher is the willingness to share data with users over 65 years. Of these, just under half (47 percent) would agree to the disclosure. "The data can help to inform and advise patients individually and to provide them with better medical care," explains Bitkom CEO Dr. med. Bernhard Rohleder.

Data security in health apps in demand
In the estimation of the Bitkom chief executive it is quite understandable that "in such a highly sensitive area also many reservations" exist. This is shown by the fact that six out of ten smartphone users can not currently imagine passing on the health information that is collected during app usage to their cash register. Basically, "like other telemedicine applications, data security and data protection for health apps must come first."

Consideration for the transmission of health data
Many interviewees also expect something in return for the dissemination of their health data. For example, "every fifth respondent (19 percent) wished to receive insurance discounts in return for their data." 10 percent expected a premium, for example in the form of money or a voucher, and only seven percent of all smartphone users surveyed would be passing on their data to agree completely without consideration. Of the older users aged 65 and over, as many as 33 percent did not expect anything in return.

Possibilities of Health Apps
For the possibilities of health apps explains the Association Bitkom that these include, for example, the steps taken, visual or hearing tests outside the doctor's office or give hints for the verification of birthmarks and skin lesions. Other apps would remind patients "when to take what medicine in which dose." Benefits offer the apps, according to Bitkom, especially for chronically ill people. "Anyone who suffers from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or chronic pain, for example, must regularly measure and record their vital signs and strictly adhere to a medical treatment plan," explains the IT association. The smartphone could help here.

No substitute for the doctor's visit
According to the experts, there are some points to consider when using health apps. So the apps can not replace the examination by a doctor. "In addition, consumers should consider quality indicators when selecting apps, such as reviews or recommendations from reputable scientific institutions," said Bitkom. Other clues may provide experience of the treating physician or feedback from other users. For the representative survey carried out by Bitkom Research in collaboration with the Aris survey research commissioned by the professional association Bitkom, 1,279 people were surveyed from the age of 14 years. (Fp)

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Picture credits: Lupo