Artificial Intelligence in German Healthcare: Opportunities and Regulation
Majority of physicians in Germany view AI as a promising prospect for the medical field.
A significant portion of German doctors view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a valuable asset for the medical field, according to a survey by digital association Bitkom. More than three-quarters of respondents expressed optimism towards AI's potential role in medicine, with 60% expecting improved diagnoses in specific cases. At the same time, 76% called for strict regulation of AI in healthcare.
Currently, approximately 15% of doctors working in practices and medical care centers utilize AI, often for diagnostic assistance or practice management. The usage of AI in hospitals is slightly higher, with 18% of respondents within this sector employing AI, particularly for imaging procedure evaluations.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst noted, "AI can lead to more personalized and efficient medical care, particularly in prevention and therapy. It can also alleviate the daily workload of doctors by providing more precise diagnoses, automating documentation, and optimizing appointment scheduling. This in turn leaves more time for patients."
The majority of respondents, approximately 68%, expressed readiness to embrace electronic patient records (ePA). The advantages of ePA, according to doctors, include the prevention of duplicate examinations (73%), faster diagnoses thanks to access to medical history (60%), and the avoidance of medication interactions (59%).
However, 77% of respondents felt inadequately prepared for the ePA's implementation. Launched nationally after a trial period and currently operating on a voluntary basis for doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals, the ePA is set for mandatory use from October 1, 2025. Patients can opt-out of the ePA's use.
While broader regulations for AI in healthcare are being addressed by legislation such as the Digital Act (DigiG) and the Health Data Use Act (GDNG), specific regulations are not yet detailed. The introduction of electronic patient records is a key development in the digitalization of German healthcare. However, concerns regarding data privacy and security remain given the sensitive nature of health information.
For the ePA to be effective, concerns about cost, public acceptance, and data sharing are pertinent. The ePA's implementation necessitates funding, potentially raising questions about its financial sustainability. High opt-out rates among the general population and public attitudes towards health data sharing could complicate the success of digital health initiatives such as the ePA.
Furthermore, the new European Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS) aims to standardize the exchange of electronic health records across the EU, potentially influencing Germany's implementation of ePA in line with EU standards. This regulation prioritizes secure data exchange and adherence to data protection laws, adding another layer of complexity to the future of digital healthcare in Germany.
In conclusion, AI is quickly finding its place in the German medical landscape. The implementation of systems such as the ePA is a critical step in the digitalization of healthcare, with potential benefits in efficiency, personalization, and patient care. However, concerns regarding data privacy, public acceptance, and cost demand careful consideration and regulation in the future development of AI in healthcare.
- The Community policy on digital health should address the specific regulations for Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, as more sectors in Germany, such as employment policy, are increasingly utilizing AI for diagnostic assistance and practice management.
- The Health-and-wellness sector, along with technology industries like employment policy, science, and artificial-intelligence, should collaborate to ensure the security and privacy of electronic patient records (ePA), addressing concerns about data sharing, cost, and public acceptance, as these factors are crucial for the success of digital health initiatives.
