ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Digital health applications can be prescribed since 2019 in Germany, which is likely to facilitate a broad use of epilepsy self-management applications, possibly directly connected to clinical systems via telematics infrastructures. This article reports on patients' interest in digital support for epilepsy self-management, influencing factors and patients' knowledge about digitization of health care in Germany. METHODS: This work is based on self-reported data from 115 people with epilepsy participating in an anonymous online survey with a total of 54 questions covering several topics, including sociodemographics and epilepsy manifestation, use of technology in general and for treatment support, training programs, affinity for technology, knowledge on the digital infrastructure in Germany, and self-efficacy in dealing with chronic illness. The self-constructed questionnaire uses existing instruments like TA-EG, SES6G, and Hoffmeyer-Zlotnik sociodemographic questionnaire. To analyze the knowledge about digitalization in health care, a combination of self-assessment and knowledge quiz was used. The analysis was performed using descriptive methods and inferential statistics (t-test, reliability analysis, and correlations). RESULTS: Participants were most interested in seizure alerting and documentation with the possibility to share documentation with physicians. The analysis of technology affinity showed medium enthusiasm, with positively perceived consequences being rated higher than the negatively perceived consequences of technology use. Knowledge on national health infrastructures was mediocre and training on this was judged to be essential and desired. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between interest in use and affinity for technology (enthusiasm for technology [r = 0.29; P = 0.00]) and positively perceived consequences of technology (r = 0.33; P = 0.00). SIGNIFICANCE: Our results underline the high relevance of digital solutions for patients and the importance of individual training opportunities in digital health literacy, thereby enabling patients to decide competently for or against offered digital solutions.
Subject(s)
Epilepsy , Self-Management , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Epilepsy/therapy , Surveys and Questionnaires , SeizuresABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The challenge is to counteract the undersupply of doctors in rural areas in Bavaria. As one possibility, the "Country Doctor Quota" measure provides for the allocation of dedicated medical study places for prospective specialists with general practice activities. A specific selection process for future medical students was established and safely implemented under the safety and hygiene conditions of the corona pandemic. METHOD: In Bavaria, a two-stage selection process was developed and used in full for the first time in 2021 for the selection of students. Due to the corona pandemic, only the results of stage 1 of the process for the selection of prospective students were taken into account in the previous year. Cognitive and non-cognitive criteria were included in a 2-stage selection process. In the second stage, physician-relevant competencies (e. g. resilience, problem-solving ability, empathy and compassion, communication skills, ethical decision-making, as well as consulting and social skills) were assessed by Bavarian family doctors in four multiple mini interviews and a 10-minute, semi-structured individual interview. A maximum of 100 points could be achieved. A digital, contact-free selection process was established and successfully implemented to ensure protection and hygiene conditions in the context of the interviews. RESULTS: A total of 436 people applied as part of the Bavarian country doctor quota for the 2021/2022 winter semester; 226 applicants were invited to the selection interviews at the second stage, of which 115 applicants received a place at the university. 64% of the participants had already completed medical vocational training, the high school graduation grade average was 2.4. CONCLUSION: The developed selection process identified applicants as part of the Bavarian country doctor quota and selected using objective criteria. All available medical study places were filled with the 115 finally selected applicants. To what extent the selected applicants (can) counteract the impending shortage of prospective specialists with general practitioner work remains to be seen.
