Digitalization is an emerging field. However, little is known about the perceptions and expectations of physicians towards digitalization and new technologies in diabetes care. We conducted a survey in secondary care practices throughout Germany. A total of 422 physicians completed the online survey (46% female; mean age: 53 years; mean work experience: 25 years). Per practice, 160 people with diabetes used Flash sensor-based glucose monitoring, 41 used real-time continuous glucose monitoring, and 60 used insulin pump therapy. 79.6% of physicians reported a positive or very positive attitude towards digitalization in diabetes care which was somewhat higher than for general digitalization (63.7% reported a positive or very positive attitude). Major advantages of digitalization referred to patient safety (63.4%), better quality of care (62.4%), and decision support (61.9%). The three major barriers were costs (54.6%), legal issues (49.2%), and concerns about data security (40.3%). Current and expected use in 5 years of new technologies are shown in the Figure. The potential for digitalization in diabetes is perceived as very high by physicians. However, costs and safety issues need to be addressed to overcome barriers towards implementation of digital solutions. Currently, the use of digital solutions in routine practice is not common and is expected to grow only marginally in the next 5 years.
B. Kulzer: Advisory Panel; Self; Ascensia Diabetes Care, Berlin-Chemie AG, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk Inc., Roche Diabetes Care. Research Support; Self; Abbott, Berlin-Chemie AG, Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Berlin-Chemie AG, Eli Lilly and Company, Novo Nordisk Inc., Roche Diabetes Care. T. Roos: None. N. Hermanns: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott. Board Member; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Research Support; Self; Abbott, Berlin-Chemie AG, Dexcom, Inc., Roche Diabetes Care. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Berlin-Chemie AG, Dexcom, Inc., Novo Nordisk A/S. D. Ehrmann: Advisory Panel; Self; Medtronic. Speaker's Bureau; Self; Abbott, Berlin-Chemie AG, Dexcom, Inc. L. Heinemann: Consultant; Self; Roche Diabetes Care. Research Support; Self; Dexcom, Inc. Stock/Shareholder; Self; Profil Institute for Metabolic Research, ProSciento.
Berlin-Chemie AG
