Is digital medicine, commonly known as “e-health”, science fiction or reality? The latest edition of the BVA – Syntec Numérique barometer provides an initial answer: the French seem ready. While the vast majority of them would be willing to contact practitioners digitally, they are also in favor of electronic files, which they could add to without restriction.
More than three quarters of French people would like to have regular e-mail or SMS exchanges with their GP about minor health problems that do not require a consultation. In the case of more serious medical problems, the results are equally convincing: 83% of French people would like to be able to contact the healthcare team responsible for monitoring a chronic illness, and 82% for post-operative follow-up.
“The penetration of digital uses in our daily lives is such that we are ready to apply them to all aspects of our lives, including the most intimate. E-health is a perfect example of the intelligent application of digital technology to the reform of our French administrative model, which is still far too traditional”, comments Bruno Vanryb, President of Syntec Numérique’s Collège Editeurs.
rn
This favourable reception of digital medicine is also confirmed by the Dossier Médical Personnel (DMP): 85% of French people say they are in favour of the DMP, a figure that has risen by 11 points in the last three years.1
Beyond this, 92% of French people say they are also willing to add to their electronic medical record, and more than six out of ten (62%) would even be in favor of adding all the examinations and consultations that concern them. One in four (23%), however, would only include their less sensitive medical data, such as medical history.
“We had already observed this in a previous wave of our barometer: the French are aware of the poor protection of their personal data on the Internet, but appreciate the convenience of sharing key information “in the cloud”. In the case of e-health, it’s a plebiscite. If our governments had any doubts, the results of this barometer show them that they can make rapid progress on the subject. First and foremost, it’s good for the patient, whose access to professionals is facilitated by the immediacy of digital tools. For medical staff, it also saves time in patient care: thanks to the DMP, they can have a complete overview of the patient’s situation. Finally, for the State, it’s a source of savings insofar as the care pathway is more efficient. Bruno Vanryb.
rn