Digital Health Applications in Dietetic Practice: A Cross-Sectional Online-Survey on Acceptance and Implementation in Austria...20th Health Informatics Meets Digital Health Conference, May 12–13, 2026, Vienna, Austria.

Background: Digital health applications (DiGA) are regulated medical software intended to support prevention and therapy. Objectives: To assess acceptance, potential application areas, information needs, and implementationrelated criteria and concerns regarding DiGA among registered dietitians in Au...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Studies in Health Technology & Informatics Vol. 335; pp. 222 - 230
Autores principales: MAIERHOFER, Renate, VACCARIN, Hannah, FUCHS, Verena, PUTZ, Peter
Formato: proceedings research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Sage Publications Inc. 2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Background: Digital health applications (DiGA) are regulated medical software intended to support prevention and therapy. Objectives: To assess acceptance, potential application areas, information needs, and implementationrelated criteria and concerns regarding DiGA among registered dietitians in Austria. Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2025. Results: 105 eligible dietitians provided data (completion rate 88.6 %). Familiarity with the DiGA concept was moderate. DiGA were perceived as very useful or useful across most dietetic practice areas. Usability, seamless integration into patients' everyday routines, and data protection and security were the most important criteria for recommending DiGA. Respondents expressed a strong interest in professionspecific continuing education and supported a clearly defined role of dietitians in the use of DiGA. Conclusion: Austrian dietitians demonstrate openness towards DiGA while emphasizing a strong interest for competence development. Early involvement of dietitians, alongside clear quality, interoperability, and data protection standards may support the integration of DiGA into routine care.