78% of German Doctors Embrace AI as an Opportunity in Medicine
Research Finds: Over 3 out of 4 Medical Practitioners Embrace AI as a Potential Boon for Healthcare - Research Findings: AI Represent a Significant Opportunity for the Medical Field, As Perceived by 78% of Surveyed Medical Professionals
A recent study reveals that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical care is gaining traction in Germany, with a notable shift in perception among doctors.
Currently, 15% of physicians working in practices or medical care centers employ AI, primarily for diagnostic support and practice management. The adoption rate is slightly higher in hospitals, at 18%, where AI is used predominantly in imaging procedures evaluation.
Ralf Wintergerst, President of Bitkom, an association that represents the digital industry, expressed optimism about the potential of AI to democratize and streamline medical care, particularly in the areas of prevention and therapy. He believes that AI has the capacity to lighten the workload of healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus more on patient care, thereby enhancing efficiency.
Moreover, the study found that 68% of the respondents were open to the introduction of electronic patient records (EPR), an essential aspect of AI-driven healthcare. Respondents acknowledged the benefits of EPR, including the prevention of duplicate examinations, faster diagnosis through access to medical history, and the avoidance of medication interactions.
Despite the promise of AI, the study also highlighted concerns, with 77% of the respondents expressing feelings of insufficient preparation for its implementation. The national rollout of the EPR occurred toward the end of April, and, for now, its use remains voluntary for doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals, with mandatory use planned from October 1, 2025. Patients also have the option to opt-out of the EPR usage.
The growing acceptance of AI, the ongoing challenges, and the governmental support and regulatory development work together to shape the future of AI in the medical field in Germany. The emphasis is on striking a balance between technological advancements, societal concerns such as data privacy and human oversight, and regulatory compliance.
The German government is actively working on implementing the EU AI Act, a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI, aiming for an innovation-friendly regulatory environment with minimal bureaucratic hurdles while ensuring safety and compliance. The government also intends to reassess the European liability framework for AI to better adapt to the practical and ethical challenges posed by AI applications in medicine.
In Berlin, the capital of Germany, the digital industry leader Bitkom, represented by President Ralph Wintergerst, sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a promising opportunity for revolutionizing health and wellness, particularly medicine and medical-conditions, through democratic and streamlined practices. Moreover, the study suggests that 78% of German doctors view AI as a chance, with 68% open to the adoption of electronic patient records (EPR), thereby embracing technology in the realm of science. However, concerns about insufficient preparation for AI implementation remain prevalent among doctors, presenting ongoing challenges for the integration of AI and EPR in the German healthcare system.
