Through such a patient portal, people can view their medical data and arrange certain matters themselves, such as requesting a repeat prescription. Last year, the use of video calls by healthcare providers also increased slightly: in 2021, 55 percent did so, in 2022 it was 58 percent. Nurses are increasingly using digital methods to monitor patient safety, such as a digital check on medication use. Last year, 49 percent of nurses used these techniques.
Panels
Participants in two panels were surveyed for the study last spring and summer. One panel includes nurses and practice nurses from district nursing, hospital care, and GP care. The answers of nearly seven hundred respondents could be included in the analysis. The other panel consists of doctors, including general practitioners and medical specialists. A total of 470 physicians completed the questionnaire. Information from existing studies has also been included.
Not yet standard
According to the RIVM, digital resources are still “not yet a permanent part of healthcare”. The institute says that it should become clearer to everyone what digital technology can provide for healthcare. It is also important that the resources are easy to use.
Together with the sector itself, the government is strongly committed to the digitization of healthcare, partly to compensate for staff shortages and to contain growing costs. Minister Conny Helder (Long-term Care) wants video calling to become the starting point in neighborhood care for the elderly, for example. (AP)
