Corrigendum: Integration of digital health applications into the German healthcare system: development of "The DiGA-Care Path"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1372522.].

Problems and Barriers Related to the Use of mHealth Apps From the Perspective of Patients: Focus Group and Interview Study

BACKGROUND

Since fall 2020, mobile health (mHealth) apps have become an integral part of the German health care system. The belief that mHealth apps have the potential to make the health care system more efficient, close gaps in care, and improve the economic outcomes related to health is unwavering and already partially confirmed. Nevertheless, problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps usually remain unconsidered.

OBJECTIVE

The focus groups and interviews conducted in this study aim to shed light on problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps from the perspective of patients.

METHODS

Guided focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients with a disease for which an approved mHealth app was available at the time of the interviews. Participants were recruited via self-help groups. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a qualitative content analysis. The content analysis was based on 10 problem categories ("validity," "usability," "technology," "use and adherence," "data privacy and security," "patient-physician relationship," "knowledge and skills," "individuality," "implementation," and "costs") identified in a previously conducted scoping review. Participants were asked to fill out an additional questionnaire about their sociodemographic data and about their use of technology.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients were interviewed in 5 focus groups (3 onsite and 2 web-based) and 5 individual web-based interviews. The additional questionnaire was completed by 32 of the participants. Patients presented with a variety of different diseases, such as arthrosis, tinnitus, depression, or lung cancer. Overall, 16% (5/32) of the participants had already been prescribed an app. During the interviews, all 10 problem categories were discussed and considered important by patients. A myriad of problem manifestations could be identified for each category. This study shows that there are relevant problems and barriers in the context of mHealth apps from the perspective of patients, which warrant further attention.

CONCLUSIONS

There are essentially 3 different areas of problems in the context of mHealth apps that could be addressed to improve care: quality of the respective mHealth app, its integration into health care, and the expandable digital literacy of patients.

Integration of digital health applications into the German healthcare system: development of "The DiGA-Care Path"

Introduction

Since 2019 people who have insured in the German statutory health insurance are entitled to use certified apps called the Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen [Digital Health Applications (DiGAs)]. The prerequisite for this is that an app certified as DiGA and suitable for their diagnosis exists. The DiGA can then either be prescribed by a physician or psychotherapist or requested by the patient from the statutory health insurance fund. Given the novelty of this type of healthcare, the implementation of a DiGA should be closely monitored to identify potential weaknesses and achieve quality improvements. To enable an analysis of the supply of DiGAs step-by-step, we aimed to create the DiGA-Care Path.

Methods

We conducted three steps to create the DiGA-Care Path. First, a knowledge base was created based on a structured literature research matched with knowledge gathered from the superordinate research project "QuaSiApps" funded by the German Federal Joint Committee. Second, we aimed to create an "ideal-typical" DiGA-Care Path using a flowchart. Third, based on the first path, a final path was developed using the graphical modeling language "Event-Driven Process Chain."

Results

The DiGA-Care Path was developed to depict the supply of DiGAs in Germany. The final path is constituted by a "main path" as well as a corresponding "sub-path". While the "main path" focuses more on the supply environment in which a DiGA is used, the "sub-path" depicts the supply delivered by the DiGA itself. Besides the process itself, the paths include relevant actors to indicate responsibilities for individual process steps.

Discussion

The DiGA-Care Path helps to analyze the current supply of DiGAs step-by-step. Thereby, each step can be investigated in detail to identify problems and to detect further steps where quality improvements can be enabled. Depending on the perspective, focused either on the supply environment, or the supply delivered by the DiGA itself, the "main path" or the "sub-path" can be used, respectively. Besides the potential of the DiGA-Care Path to improve the current supply of DiGAs, it can help as an orientation for international policymakers or further stakeholders either to develop their own integration of apps into healthcare systems or for international manufacturers to consider entering the German market.

Effects of Digital Physical Health Exercises on Musculoskeletal Diseases: Systematic Review With Best-Evidence Synthesis

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal diseases affect 1.71 billion people worldwide, impose a high biopsychosocial burden on patients, and are associated with high economic costs. The use of digital health interventions is a promising cost-saving approach for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. As physical exercise is the best clinical practice in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, digital health interventions that provide physical exercises could have a highly positive impact on musculoskeletal diseases, but evidence is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of digital physical health exercises on patients with musculoskeletal diseases concerning the localization of the musculoskeletal disease, patient-reported outcomes, and medical treatment types.

METHODS

We performed systematic literature research using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search was conducted using the PubMed, BISp, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network checklist was used to assess the quality of the included original studies. To determine the evidence and direction of the impact of digital physical health exercises, a best-evidence synthesis was conducted, whereby only studies with at least acceptable methodological quality were included for validity purposes.

RESULTS

A total of 8988 studies were screened, of which 30 (0.33%) randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 16 studies (53%) were of acceptable or high quality; they included 1840 patients (1008/1643, 61.35% female; 3 studies including 197 patients did not report gender distribution) with various musculoskeletal diseases. A total of 3 different intervention types (app-based interventions, internet-based exercises, and telerehabilitation) were used to deliver digital physical health exercises. Strong evidence was found for the positive impact of digital physical health exercises on musculoskeletal diseases located in the back. Moderate evidence was found for diseases located in the shoulder and hip, whereas evidence for the entire body was limited. Conflicting evidence was found for diseases located in the knee and hand. For patient-reported outcomes, strong evidence was found for impairment and quality of life. Conflicting evidence was found for pain and function. Regarding the medical treatment type, conflicting evidence was found for operative and conservative therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong to moderate evidence was found for a positive impact on musculoskeletal diseases located in the back, shoulder, and hip and on the patient-reported outcomes of impairment and quality of life. Thus, digital physical health exercises could have a positive effect on a variety of symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases.

Evidence of How Physicians and Their Patients Adopt mHealth Apps in Germany: Exploratory Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND

The enactment of the "Act to Improve Healthcare Provision through Digitalisation and Innovation " (Digital Healthcare Act; Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz [DVG]) in Germany has introduced a paradigm shift in medical practice, allowing physicians to prescribe mobile health (mHealth) apps alongside traditional medications. This transformation imposes a dual responsibility on physicians to acquaint themselves with qualifying apps and align them with patient diagnoses, while requiring patients to adhere to the prescribed app use, similar to pharmaceutical adherence. This transition, particularly challenging for older generations who are less skilled with technology, underscores a significant evolution in Germany's medical landscape.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate physicians' responses to this novel treatment option, their strategies for adapting to this form of prescription, and the willingness of patients to adhere to prescribed mHealth apps.

METHODS

Using an exploratory qualitative study design, we conducted semistructured interviews with 28 physicians and 30 potential patients aged 50 years and older from August 2020 to June 2021.

RESULTS

The findings reveal several factors influencing the adoption of mHealth apps, prompting a nuanced understanding of adoption research. Notably, both physicians and patients demonstrated a lack of information regarding mHealth apps and their positive health impacts, contributing to a deficiency in trust. Physicians' self-perceived digital competence and their evaluation of patients' digital proficiency emerge as pivotal factors influencing the prescription of mHealth apps.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides comprehensive insights into the prescription process and the fundamental factors shaping the adoption of mHealth apps in Germany. The identified information gaps on both the physicians' and patients' sides contribute to a trust deficit and hindered digital competence. This research advances the understanding of adoption dynamics regarding digital health technologies and highlights crucial considerations for the successful integration of digital health apps into medical practice.

Critical success factors for creating sustainable digital health applications: A systematic review of the German case

Objective

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies to address social needs, leading to increased investments in digital healthcare applications. Germany implemented a special law called the "Digitales Versorgungsgesetz" (DVG-Digital Supply Act) in 2019, which enables the reimbursement of digital health applications, including digital therapeutics (DTx), through a fast-track process. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the German federal authority responsible for overseeing digital health applications, has implemented legislative adjustments since the law's introduction, which have increased requirements for these applications and potentially led to the removal of some from the directory as well as a slowdown in the addition of new ones. To counteract this trend, this work aimed to identify key success factors for digital health applications (DiGAs).

Methods

This research identifies critical success factors through a structured literature review for developing sustainable digital health applications within the European healthcare systems, specifically DiGAs. The study aims to support the ongoing digital transformation in healthcare.

Results

The identified success factors that significantly impact the sustainability of DiGAs include patient-centered design, application effectiveness, user-friendliness, and adherence to data protection and information security regulations using standardized approaches. These factors are crucial in preventing the failure of DiGA manufacturers in European countries.

Conclusion

By considering and implementing these critical success factors, DiGA manufacturers can enhance their chances of long-term success and contribute to the digital transformation of the healthcare system in Europe.

Menstrual Cycle Tracking Apps: An Applied Combined Medical and Data Privacy Scoring

Today, many menstruating individuals track their cycles with mobile apps. These cycle apps use a lot of highly sensitive personal data. The goal of this study is to evaluate current cycle apps based on data privacy and medical criteria. First, a market analysis of currently available apps was conducted. Second, a scoring system was developed based on Digital Health application (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen, DiGA in German) guidelines, Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), and other resources. A total of 18 apps were evaluated. The final scores (range from 0 to 1) ranged from 0.12 (worst result) to 0.64 (best result). The average "data privacy score" was 0.4, and the average "medical score" was 0.11. Only six apps received any points in the medical part of the scoring. A clear weakness of many tested apps was the issue of data minimization. 89% of the apps had permissions that were not necessary for this type of health app.

Evidence requirements of permanently listed digital health applications (DiGA) and their implementation in the German DiGA directory: an analysis

BACKGROUND

With its digital health application (DiGA)-system, Germany is considered one of Europe's pioneers in the field of evidence-based digital health. Incorporating DiGA into standard medical care must be based on evidence-based success factors; however, a comprehensive overview of the evidence required of scientific studies for their approval is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to, (1) identify specific requirements defined by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (German: Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel- und Medizinprodukte; BfArM) to design adequate studies, proving a positive healthcare effect, and (2) to assess the evidence given for applications permanently listed in the DiGA directory.

METHODS

A multi-step approach was used: (1) identification of the evidence requirements for applications permanently listed in the DiGA directory, (2) identification of the evidence available supporting them.

RESULTS

All DiGA permanently listed in the DiGA directory (13 applications) are included in the formal analysis. Most DiGA addressed mental health (n = 7), and can be prescribed for one or two indications (n = 10). All permanently listed DiGA have demonstrated their positive healthcare effect through a medical benefit, and most of them provide evidence for one defined primary endpoint. All DiGA manufacturers conducted a randomized controlled trial.

DISCUSSION

It is striking that- although patient-relevant structural and procedural improvements show high potential for improving care, especially in terms of processes - all DiGA have provided a positive care effect via a medical benefit. Although BfArM accepts study designs with a lower level of evidence for the proof of a positive healthcare effect, all manufacturers conducted a study with a high level of evidence.

CONCLUSION

The results of this analysis indicate that permanently listed DiGA meet higher standards than required by the guideline.

[What potential and added value do DiGA offer for primary care?-Results of a survey of general practitioners in Germany]

BACKGROUND

For almost two years, physicians have been able to prescribe digital health applications (DiGA) to patients. So far, there has been a lack of studies that shed light on the possible use of DiGA in the context of primary care and take stock of the benefits and potential for optimization.

OBJECTIVES

This study explores general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes, expectations, and experiences with regard to the application potential of DiGA.

METHODS

In the spring of 2022, all 13,913 general practitioners in the federal states Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland were invited to take part in an online survey. Included in the evaluation were 3829 completed questionnaires (response rate: 28%). A t-test on independent samples was used to determine significant differences between two groups. Moreover, a factor analysis was carried out.

RESULTS

A majority of those surveyed consider DiGA to be reliable (67%) and secure (61%) applications. In addition, 22% trust themselves to competently advise patients on DiGA, 14% have already prescribed DiGA, and 13% plan to do so. Of the GPs with DiGA experience, 83% rate the prescribed applications as useful. Observed healthcare effects mainly relate to the improvement of compliance (95%), mobility (94%), and education (93%) as well as weight reduction (82%). The respondents suggest further optimization of DIGA, especially with regard to usability (59%), systematic further training of doctors (52%), and the expansion of gamification elements (49%).

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to better inform GPs about the basics of the Digital Healthcare Act (DVG) and to address concerns in a targeted manner. Comprehensive training courses that explain the framework conditions and advantages of using DiGA appear to be crucial. There is also a need for more well-founded sources of information and research for doctors.

[How robust are studies of currently permanently included digital health applications (DiGA)? Methodological quality of studies demonstrating positive health care effects of DiGA]

INTRODUCTION

Since September 2020 digital health applications (DiGA) can be prescribed by physicians and psychotherapists and are reimbursed within the German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) system for the first time worldwide. For full reimbursement, the manufacturers have to provide evidence based on scientific studies that the DiGA can provide 'positive health care effects'. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the methodological quality of efficacy studies of DiGA in the categories 'Nervensystem' and 'Psyche' of the DiGA register that are permanently accepted.

METHODS

The methodological quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The risk of bias was assessed for the primary endpoint of each study according to an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

Six DiGA were assessed for their methodological quality. Randomized controlled trials were conducted for all 6 DiGA that showed a high risk of bias, which was, in particular, due to a lack of blinding of the studies. In addition, drop-outs were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group in most studies. For most of the DiGA no published study protocol was available in advance so an analysis of a potential selective choice of the evaluation methodology was not possible.

DISCUSSION

For reasons of transparency, verifiability, and comprehensibility of the study results, registration in a study registry and, more importantly, the publication of study protocols should be mandatory before the start of the studies. In addition, studies should be blinded by comparing the DiGA with a 'sham application' to reduce the high risk of bias. Differences in the drop-out rates of the investigated studies could indicate a lack of efficacy of the treatment in the intervention group, (technical) problems in the application of the DiGA, or a lack of motivation of the participants.

CONCLUSION

The interim results 18 months after the introduction of DiGA in the German SHI system show that the studies on the evidence of the benefits of DiGA have a high potential for bias in certain areas. However, it should be positively emphasized that the manufacturers submitted randomized controlled trials to prove the medical benefit of the DiGAs investigated.

One year of digital health applications (DiGA) in Germany - Rheumatologists' perspectives

BACKGROUND

Based on given legislation the German approach to digital health applications (DiGA) allows reimbursed prescription of approved therapeutic software products since October 2020. For the first time, we evaluated DiGA-related acceptance, usage, and level of knowledge among members of the German Society for Rheumatology (DGRh) 1 year after its legal implementation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An anonymous cross-sectional online survey, initially designed by the health innovation hub (think tank and sparring partner of the German Federal Ministry of Health) and the German Pain Society was adapted to the field of rheumatology. The survey was promoted by DGRh newsletters and Twitter-posts. Ethical approval was obtained.

RESULTS

In total, 75 valid response-sets. 80% reported to care ≥ 70% of their working time for patients with rheumatic diseases. Most were working in outpatient clinics/offices (54%) and older than 40 years (84%). Gender distribution was balanced (50%). 70% knew the possibility to prescribe DiGA. Most were informed of this for the first time via trade press (63%), and only 8% via the scientific/professional society. 46% expect information on DiGA from the scientific societies/medical chambers (35%) but rarely from the manufacturer (10%) and the responsible ministry (4%). Respondents would like to be informed about DiGA via continuing education events (face-to-face 76%, online 84%), trade press (86%), and manufacturers' test-accounts (64%). Only 7% have already prescribed a DiGA, 46% planned to do so, and 47% did not intend DiGA prescriptions. Relevant aspects for prescription are provided. 86% believe that using DiGA/medical apps would at least partially be feasible and understandable to their patients. 83% thought that data collected by the patients using DiGA or other digital solutions could at least partially influence health care positively. 51% appreciated to get DiGA data directly into their patient documentation system/electronic health record (EHR) and 29% into patient-owned EHR.

CONCLUSION

Digital health applications awareness was high whereas prescription rate was low. Mostly, physician-desired aspects for DiGA prescriptions were proven efficacy and efficiency for physicians and patients, risk of adverse effects and health care costs were less important. Evaluation of patients' barriers and needs is warranted. Our results might contribute to the implementation and dissemination of DiGA.

Market access and value-based pricing of digital health applications in Germany

In December 2019, the Digital Health Care Act ("Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz") introduced a general entitlement to the provision and reimbursement of digital health applications (DiGA) for insured persons in the German statutory health insurance. As establishing a new digital service area within the solidarity-based insurance system implies several administrative and regulatory challenges, this paper aims to describe the legal framework for DiGA market access and pricing as well as the status quo of the DiGA market. Furthermore, we provide a basic approach to deriving value-based DiGA prices.To become eligible for reimbursement, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices evaluates the compliance of a DiGA with general requirements (e.g., safety and data protection) and its positive healthcare effects (i.e., medical benefit or improvements of care structure and processes) in a fast-track process. Manufacturers may provide evidence for the benefits of their DiGA either directly with the application for the fast-track process or generate it during a trial phase that includes temporary reimbursement. After one year of \]reimbursement, the freely-set manufacturer price is replaced by a price negotiated between the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds and the manufacturer. By February 2022, 30 DiGA had successfully completed the fast-track process. 73% make use of the trial phase and have not yet proven their benefit. Given this dynamic growth of the DiGA market and the low minimum evidence standards, fair pricing remains the central point of contention. The regulatory framework makes the patient-relevant benefits of a DiGA a pricing criterion to be considered in particular. Yet, it does not indicate how the benefits of a DiGA should be translated into a reasonable price. Our evidence-based approach to value-based DiGA pricing approximates the SHI's willingness to pay by the average cost-effectiveness of one or more established therapy in a field of indication and furthermore considers the positive healthcare effects of a DiGA.The proposed approach can be fitted into DiGA pricing processes under the given regulatory framework and can provide objective guidance for price negotiations. However, it is only one piece of the pricing puzzle, and numerous methodological and procedural issues related to DiGA pricing are still open. Thus, it remains to be seen to what extent DiGA prices will follow the premise of value-based pricing.

DiGA - A Chance for the German Healthcare System

A DiGA is a safe and data-protected interoperable medical device (officially called a “digital health application”) of a low-risk class, which has the potential to improve the healthcare system in Germany for patients – with or without the involvement of a physician. It therefore already represents the first component of the envisaged future digitalised healthcare. In order not to promote the emergence of parallel healthcare markets (3^rd Healthcare Market), a rapid rethinking is necessary, above all among physicians requiring more expertise and competence regarding digitalisation. Continuing Medical Education (CME) can accompany and accelerate this process and thus contribute to the success of digital healthcare, which offers solutions to current challenges for the benefit of patients.

Digital Communication in Visceral Medicine: Regulatory Framework for Digital Communication

Background

Germany has seen rapid development in the digitization of medicine in recent years. Especially, the CO-VID-19 pandemic has dramatically accelerated this process. Nevertheless, it is accompanied by legal innovations that promote the application of digital tools as well as create respective remuneration options. Ultimately, this continued implementation of digital innovations and telemedicine approaches will lead to the improvement of care and the more efficient provision of medical services.

Summary

The article primarily describes the development and current status of digitization using 2 key examples of telemedicine and digital innovations - video consultation and digital health applications. Starting with the liberalization of remote treatment options, video consultation gained many users, especially during the COVID pandemic. The introduction of digital health applications with the possibility of reimbursement by the statutory health insurance funds has put Germany in a leading position in international comparison in this respect.

Key Messages

Digitization in healthcare offers enormous opportunities both to professionals working in the healthcare sector and to patients. However, in order to successfully use digital tools in practice, the legal, organizational, and financial framework must be clarified. All medical professionals are well advised to further qualify themselves in this area in order to keep pace with developments.

[Interoperability in healthcare: also prescribed for digital health applications (DiGA)]

Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen (DiGA) sind eines der Räder im Getriebe des digitalen Gesundheitswesens. Wie alle anderen kommunizierenden Anwendungen müssen DiGA interoperabel sein, damit das ganze System reibungslos funktioniert. Dabei muss Interoperabilität auf 4 verschiedenen Ebenen gegeben sein, dies sind: funktionale und fachinhaltliche Anforderungen; strukturelle und semantische Anforderungen; Anforderungen an Sicherheit und Transport und organisatorische Anforderungen.

In Deutschland wurde in den letzten Jahren ein großer Sprung in ein digitales Gesundheitswesen initiiert, verstärkt durch die Erfahrungen aus der COVID-19-Pandemie. Aktuelle Gesetzgebungen zielen auf eine Festlegung von Standards und einheitlichen Abläufen und etablieren damit den benötigten verbindlichen Rahmen für ein Gesamtkonzept in der Digitalisierung. Interoperable DiGA können mit den anderen Systemen im Gesundheitswesen kommunizieren, wenn es die PatientInnen wünschen. Möglich sind z. B. der Anschluss an die elektronische Patientenakte (ePA) und eine damit einhergehende Datenspende für Forschungszwecke. So können PatientInnen nicht nur direkt von dem positiven Versorgungseffekt einer DiGA profitieren, sondern auch indirekt durch die Datenspende zur Forschung und damit zur Verbesserung des Gesundheitswesens beitragen.

[Digital health applications: statutory introduction of patient-centred digital innovations into healthcare]

The Digital Healthcare Act (DVG) and the Digital Health Applications Ordinance (DiGAV) defined digital health applications (DiGA) and included these as an entitlement of statutory health insurance (GKV). Further development of this new area of healthcare occurred within the Digital Healthcare and Care Modernization Act (DVPMG). Every doctor and psychotherapist can prescribe digital applications at the expense of statutory health insurance funding, provided the applications have successfully undergone a three-month test procedure at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) and are listed in their DiGA directory. Provisional admissions of DiGA accompanied by scientific studies and evaluations are also possible.The legislator has thus actively incorporated the highly dynamic technological and social development of digital innovations into healthcare by introducing mobile applications for therapeutic purposes. The legal framework is designed in such a way that DiGA can not only potentially support aspects of patient-centred care, such as strengthening of self-management, health literacy and adherence but also optimize treatment procedures and interaction between patients and service providers in many ways.Extensive specifications for technical interoperability between DiGA and other types of medical devices and implants, as well as the electronic patient record (ePA), will accelerate the integration of DiGA into day-to-day care. Overall, it is of utmost importance to incorporate DiGA into existing care as enriching, user-friendly and digitally supported processes. Hence, the initial regulatory framework will continuously be adapted and developed in the years to come - shaped by the experiences gained with innovative products and the administrative procedures used to admit them.

[Digital health applications (DiGA): assessment of reimbursability by means of the "DiGA Fast Track" procedure at the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM)]

Mit dem Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz (DVG) hat der Gesetzgeber digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen, kurz DiGA, einen Einzug in die Regelversorgung nach dem Fünften Buch Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB V) ermöglicht. Voraussetzung für die „App auf Rezept“ ist die Listung im DiGA-Verzeichnis nach positiv durchlaufenem Bewertungsverfahren beim Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte (BfArM). Dafür ist von den Herstellern neben umfangreichen Qualitäts- und Sicherheitsparametern auch ein positiver Versorgungseffekt nachzuweisen.

Mit dem DiGA-Verzeichnis bietet das BfArM seit Oktober 2020 adressatengerechte umfassende Transparenz zu den DiGA und deren Eigenschaften. Der Artikel erläutert den Weg zur „App auf Rezept“ von den Unterstützungs- und Beratungsangeboten durch das BfArM über den Ablauf des Bewertungsverfahrens (DiGA-Fast-Track) und die Bewertungskriterien bis hin zu den Inhalten des Verzeichnisses. Es zeigt sich, dass das Interesse an dem Fast-Track-Verfahren groß ist. Der Nachweis der positiven Versorgungseffekte, also eines tatsächlichen Mehrwerts für die Patienten, ist ausbalanciert und mit überwiegend randomisierten kontrollierten Studiennachweisen auf einem angemessenen Niveau. Dass das Verfahren auch mit Herausforderungen für die Antragsteller verbunden sein kann, z. B. Mängel adäquat in dem gesetzlich vorgegebenen Bewertungszeitraum zu adressieren, zeigen die Zahlen zurückgenommener Anträge im Verhältnis zu den gelisteten DiGA an. Das BfArM steht zu diesem neuen Verfahren in engem Austausch mit allen Beteiligten. Welche Überlegungen und Potenziale sich daraus für die Weiterentwicklung aus Sicht des BfArM ergeben, zeigt der Ausblick.

[Digital health applications (DiGA) on the road to success-the perspective of the German Digital Healthcare Association]

The approval of the first digital health applications (DiGA) in October 2020 resulted in a lot of buzz - not only in the healthcare sector but also beyond. The integration of DiGA to the public healthcare system was seen as a significant innovation and stakeholders worldwide were looking to Germany. How did the start of the DiGA innovation project go and what is the current standing? The first months of DiGA becoming part of standard care brought new experiences and knowledge to manufacturers, doctors and patients as well as to health insurance companies and associations. More than six months later, it is time for a preliminary review.This article looks at the achievements so far as well as the status quo of DiGA in the market as of March 2021. It also focuses on current and upcoming challenges that the various stakeholders face on the way to integrate DiGA into standard care in a widespread and sustainable way.

["Alternative study designs" for the evaluation of digital health applications - a real alternative?]

INTRODUCTION

After the Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale-Versorgung-Gesetz, DVG) reformed digital health applications' (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen, DiGAs) access to German Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) reimbursement, the discussion concerning necessary evidence requirements has intensified. In the past, different "alternative study designs" have been proposed to replace randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the DiGA efficacy and benefit assessments. The present paper examines the suitability of these alternative designs for informing SHI reimbursement decisions.

METHODS

The four alternative study designs primarily discussed in the context of DiGA - "Continuous Evaluation of Evolving Behavioral Intervention Technologies" (CEEBIT), "Multiphase Optimization Strategy" (MOST), "Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial" (SMART) and "Micro-Randomized Trial" (MRT) - are characterized and compared on the basis of relevant primary and secondary sources. Subsequently, their suitability for effectiveness and benefit evaluation in the context of SHI reimbursement decisions is discussed.

RESULTS

None of the study designs examined aims primarily at conclusively demonstrating efficacy and benefit. Three of the four designs (MOST, SMART, MRT) focus on the development and optimization of interventions. In order to reduce resource requirements, the approaches presented sometimes deviate considerably from the methodological approach in traditional RCTs. This is especially true for their applied statistical error tolerance and their underlying randomization logic. Three of the four concepts (MOST, SMART, MRT) therefore still require RCTs after the development phase in order to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefit of the optimized intervention.

DISCUSSION

The methodological differences of the alternative study designs compared to classical RCTs are accompanied by serious potentials for bias and uncertainties with regard to the identified intervention effects. These may be acceptable in the context of intervention development, but do not appear to be appropriate for use in collective SHI reimbursement decisions.

CONCLUSION

The alternative study designs presented cannot be regarded as a suitable RCT alternative for efficacy and benefit assessments. A pragmatic study design, which continues to meet high methodological standards, and better utilization of real-world data could, in the future, contribute to a compromise between the justified claims to sufficient certainty of results on the one hand and appropriate procedural effort on the other.