Electronic patient record: acatech and Körber-Stiftung launch digital guide

Munich, 25 April 2023

The Federal Ministry of Health has plans to create an electronic patient record (ePA) for each and every German citizen. However, people still have reservations about the ePA and, moreover, many know very little about it. To provide fact-based guidance that is easy for all to understand on what is a complex subject, acatech and Körber-Stiftung have today launched the interactive website “ePA Check-up”. 

According to TechnikRadar 2022, a representative survey of German attitudes to technology, almost a quarter of the population is unfamiliar with what the electronic patient record (ePA) offers. It is actually used by less than one per cent of insured people. According to plans by the Federal Ministry of Health, next year an ePA will automatically be created for all patients who do not expressly opt out. To give people the capacity to make an informed and considered decision, acatech – National Academy of Science and Engineering and Körber-Stiftung have developed a digital guide for citizens.

The ePA Check-up takes the user through six areas in total: from diagnosis and everyday routine through data and treatment to security and research. Clear examples, useful information and mini-quizzes give users clarity over how it works and what exactly the benefits are but also the potential risks associated with the ePA. Selected results from surveys and advice from experts help users to form an opinion. At the end of the check-up, users get the results of where they stand in relation to the ePA.

Quotes on the ePA Check-up

Thomas Paulsen, Member of the Executive Board of Körber-Stiftung: “The ePA compels citizens to ask themselves whether and with whom they want to share their personal and sensitive health data in future. People should make a well-considered and informed decision. For those who are still uncertain or would like to know more about it in a compact format, we have developed the ePA Check-up.”

Ortwin Renn, acatech Executive Board member: “The ePA is no different from other discussions about digital innovations in that many Germans are concerned that their personal sovereignty might be restricted and sensitive information might be passed on without their consent. We must address people’s concerns and interests, and conduct a broad public dialogue on this subject. The ePA Check-up intends to stimulate this dialogue and provide people with guidance that is fact-based and easy for all to understand on what is a complex subject. We think it was important to highlight both the benefits and the risks of the ePA on the website. The ePA Check-up is also trying out new channels of knowledge transfer and technology communication – we look forward to seeing what conclusions we draw at the end of the project.”

Further information
www.epa-checkup.de 
Images and other material are available in the press section of the ePA Check-up