AI in Medicine: German Doctors Embrace Artificial Intelligence as Opportunity
German physicians generally view artificial intelligence as a medical opportunity.
A significant majority of German doctors, as per a Bitkom study, view Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a promising opportunity for the medical field. Sixty percent of the respondents anticipate improved diagnoses in certain cases due to AI, while 76 percent advocate for stringent regulation.
At present, 15 percent of doctors working in practices or medical care centers use AI for applications such as diagnostic support and practice management. The adoption rate in clinics is slightly higher, standing at 18 percent, where AI is employed for assessing imaging procedures and various other tasks.
Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, stated, "AI can enhance the individuality and efficiency of medical care, particularly in prevention and therapy. It can also alleviate the workload of doctors' offices and clinics by providing more accurate diagnoses, automated documentation, and intelligent appointment scheduling, thereby allowing doctors to focus on caring for their patients."
AI might further streamline medical care by offering personalized and efficient care, as suggested by Wintergerst. Additionally, 68 percent of respondents are open to the introduction of electronic patient records. The key benefits they envision include avoiding duplicate examinations, faster diagnoses, and preventing medication interactions.
However, 77 percent of respondents express feeling inadequately prepared to use the electronic patient record, a digital health infrastructure component that was officially launched nationwide at the end of April following a trial phase. Its use remains voluntary for doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals for now, with mandatory implementation planned from October 1, 2025. During this period, patients may opt-out of the system's use.
This push towards AI-driven medicine in Germany underlies broader European movements in biotech and healthcare, as countries across the continent strive to remain competitive in the field of precision and personalized medicine, as well as digital health solutions. Key player Kaia Health in Munich, which specializes in using AI for chronic pain management, exemplifies Germany's burgeoning role in AI-powered healthcare innovation.
The electronic patient record is integral to enabling AI tools in diagnostics, treatment strategies, and data management, as AI applications heavily rely on accessible and high-quality patient health data. However, the acceptance of the electronic patient record within the German medical community remains subject to addressing concerns related to data privacy, interoperability challenges, and administrative burden.
- The community policy regarding the electronic patient record should address concerns related to data privacy and interoperability to ensure its successful implementation in the medical field.
- The employment policy for doctors should include training programs on the use of AI and electronic patient records, as 77 percent of respondents feel inadequately prepared to use the latter.
- The development and implementation of stringent community and employment policies, particularly in relation to AI, electronic patient records, and medical-conditions, are crucial for the success of precision and personalized medicine in Europe.
