Majority of Physicians View Artificial Intelligence as a Potential Benefit for Medical Field (78%) - Majority of Physicians View Artificial Intelligence as a Potential Benefit for Medicine, According to Research
Artificial Intelligence Gains Ground in German Medical Sector
A substantial proportion of doctors in Germany view AI as an opportunity for the medical field, with 15% already incorporating AI into their practices, according to a new study. This technology is primarily utilized for diagnostic support, practice management, and imaging procedure evaluation.
In hospitals and clinics, AI adoption is more widespread, with 18% incorporating AI into medical care. These AI applications are utilized in imaging assessment and other areas. Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, sees potential in AI, noting that it can make healthcare more personalized and efficient, particularly in preventive care and treatment. He further explains that AI can help alleviate the burden on doctors' offices and clinics through more accurate diagnoses, automated documentation, and intelligent appointment scheduling. This allows for more time to be dedicated to patient care.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed openness to the introduction of electronic patient records (EPRs). The benefits most often cited include the ability to avoid duplicate tests (73%), faster diagnoses through access to medical history (60%), and the prevention of medication interactions (59%). Despite this positive outlook, 77% of respondents feel inadequately prepared for EPR implementation. The EPR was launched nationwide at the end of April following a pilot phase, and though its use currently remains voluntary, mandatory use is planned for October 1, 2025.
Germany is one of several sectors exploring AI for productivity and precision improvements, along with manufacturing, finance, and logistics. Within healthcare, AI aids in real-time data analysis, enhancing cognitive computing, and informing more accurate clinical decisions. As AI continues to transform healthcare services nationwide, its integration with EPRs is likely to expand.
However, broader AI acceptance hinges on issues such as trust, autonomy, reliability, transparency, perceived risk, and sociodemographic characteristics. The near future will see significant investments in healthcare AI infrastructure, with events such as the 2025 Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Summit focusing on advancing AI's role in healthcare, including digital patient records.
- The study reveals that 78% of doctors in Germany see artificial intelligence as a chance for medicine, especially in areas like science, health-and-wellness, mental health, and therapies and treatments.
- Not only does AI improve imaging assessment and diagnostics, as seen in hospitals and clinics, but Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, also believes it can revolutionize health-care by making it more personalized and efficient, particularly in the realm of preventive care and technology.
- As the government plans to make electronic patient records (EPRs) mandatory by October 1, 2025, there's a growing interest in AI-integrated EPRs, as they can prevent duplicate tests and offer faster diagnoses, ultimately contributing to advancements in health-and-wellness, mental health, and therapies and treatments nationwide.
