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Doctor's office websites reflect regional differences in digitalization: Cross-sectional study in two German regions

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  • Senst, Benjamin

Abstract

Outpatient healthcare in Germany is undergoing a digital transformation. This includes communication between doctors and patients. Doctor websites serve as a medium for the two-way exchange of information between doctors and patients. Depending on the extent of the integration of practice processes, direct communication between patient and doctor can transition into patient-website-doctor interaction. Based on a sample from two regions, doctor websites are evaluated with regard to their available functions and their prevalence. Based on a sample from two regions in North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg, website scope, readability, and other website functions (including video consultations, online appointment booking, prescription ordering, and contact information) were assessed. The regions were characterized in terms of rurality, social deprivation, and population size. Based on website functionality, groups were formed to describe the state of digital integration. Region A, with 421 medical practice websites in the northern Rhineland, is characterized by a more urban and intermediate typology with a larger population and higher socioeconomic status, compared to Region B, with 294 medical practice websites in the Brandenburg area, which has a more intermediate and rural typology. The average website size (689 and 908 tokens, respectively) and the distribution of website groups do not differ significantly between the regions. While contact information (telephone number, fax number, opening hours) was found on 99% of the websites in both regions, websites of practices in Region A more frequently offer features such as video consultations, online appointment booking, or prescription ordering for patients. Based on the website grouping, three patterns can be identified: "Basic," "Integrated," and "Digital." Region A is distinguished by a significantly larger proportion of practice websites with extended features (practice websites in the "Integrated" and "Digital" groups). Websites serve as a communication platform for interaction between medical practices and patients. They can be integrated into practice processes. The extent of integration varies regionally. The exploratory results, which require further validation, offer the opportunity to efficiently document the digital transformation in outpatient healthcare in a timely manner and with minimal resource expenditure.

Suggested Citation

  • Senst, Benjamin, 2026. "Doctor's office websites reflect regional differences in digitalization: Cross-sectional study in two German regions," SocArXiv 8jfhp_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:8jfhp_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/8jfhp_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lüchau, Elle Christine & Atherton, Helen & Olesen, Finn & Søndergaard, Jens & Assing Hvidt, Elisabeth, 2023. "Interpreting technology: Use and non-use of doctor-patient video consultations in Danish general practice," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 334(C).
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