Evaluation of Health-related Internet Use in Germany

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.