Susanne Fuß und Ute Karbach geben praxisnahe Anleitungen zur Transkription von wissenschaftlichen Interviews für die qualitative Sozialforschung. Das Grundlagen-Handbuch führt in die Praxis der sozialwissenschaftlichen Transkription ein. Es richtet sich an Studierende oder wissenschaftlich tätige Personen, die zum ersten Mal Interviews oder Gruppendiskussionen zur sozialwissenschaftlichen Analyse transkribieren. Der Band stellt die Grundlagen der Transkription und deren Anwendung vor, zeigt die Vor- und Nachteile von Spracherkennungs- und Transkriptionssoftware und gibt Tipps für Problemfälle.

INTRODUCTION:Quality of obstetric care comprises both provision and experience of care, yet patient experiences have received less attention. Person-centered care seeks to tackle this gap by attributing equal significance to clinical outcomes and care experiences. Individual experiences vary despite similar treatments because subjective appraisals differ. Understanding this process can help to enhance person-centered care in obstetrics. The study's aim is to explore how birthing persons perceive and make sense of obstetric care experiences. METHODS:The qualitative study adopted a grounded theory approach according to Corbin and Strauss, utilizing 12 narrative interviews with mothers who gave birth in a hospital a maximum 12 months prior. They were recruited through iterative theoretical sampling through the project Instagram channel between March and August 2023. The iterative process of data collection, analysis and constant comparison resulted in a theoretical model explaining how parturients experience obstetric situations. RESULTS:During analysis, sense of coherence (SoC) emerged as core category shaping how parturients perceive and make sense of obstetric situations: negative experiences related to low manifestations of SoC and positive experiences to high SoC. A subsequent literature review linked these empirical findings to Antonovsky's SoC which was contextually adapted to the perception of obstetric situations shaped by comprehensibility, perceived manageability and contextual framing factors. CONCLUSIONS:Recognizing how parturients construct meaning through their situational SoC, may offer a basis for reflections on interaction with them. Though not allowing for direct generalization, the findings may offer a theoretical concept for further research targeting situational SoC during care processes or piloting feasible measures for real-time assessment.

Die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Organisationen ist im Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen im Hinblick auf das Ziel der Optimierung gesundheitlicher und sozialer personenbezogener Dienstleistungen von besonderer Bedeutung. Interorganisationale Projekte stellen mit ihren spezifischen Rahmenbedingungen für die beteiligten organisationalen Akteur*innen besondere Handlungskontexte dar. In diesem Zusammenhang weisen empirische Befunde auf die Bedeutung von Vertrauen für eine erfolgreiche interorganisationale Zusammenarbeit hin. Der Artikel untersucht daher auf der Grundlage des aktuellen Forschungsstands die Relevanz von Vertrauen für die verschiedenen Ebenen (die Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisebene) der interorganisationalen Projektarbeit im Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen. Dabei wird ein systematischer und regelbasierter Ansatz mittels eines systematischen Reviews verwendet. Der Artikel schließt mit Implikationen für Disziplinen, für die Handlungspraxis und für Akteur*innen aus Gesundheits- und Sozialpolitik.

Background The ongoing implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) in German hospitals is currently slow. Implementation science widely acknowledges the barriers and facilitators to implementation. Thus, specific preconditions are necessary to address the former and to support an effective EMR implementation. However, a lack of knowledge exists about these necessary preconditions in Germany. This study aims to gain insight into key stakeholders’ experiences with implementing EMR systems in German hospitals to identify preconditions for embedding EMRs in this social context. Methods Expert interviews were conducted with members of hospital-wide implementation teams concerning EMR implementation. The interviewees belonged to the nursing, IT, medical, and pharmaceutical professions and worked in hospitals with different contextual characteristics. The interview guideline was based on the practical Consolidated Framework for Implementation, which supports the systematic assessment of potential barriers and facilitators to identify implementation strategies and necessary adaptations. Data was collected between May 2021 and September 2022, and the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Thirteen interviews were conducted with employees from eleven hospitals. Five critical preconditions emerged for EMR implementation based on our analysis: 1) adaptation, where the clinical context and EMRs are aligned; 2) stakeholder co-production, where all relevant stakeholders (e. g., professional groups, departments, and hierarchical levels) are involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating; 3) end-user participation, where end-users are involved in the implementation through close support and training; 4) integration into daily routines, where EMRs are integrated into daily work, including work processes that initially require additional effort but are necessary to experience the relative advantages; and 5) the continuous Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, where the EMR implementation process is continuously reviewed and adjusted. In addition, activities to enact these preconditions were derived based on the interview data. Discussion Our findings indicate that overall contextual adaptation is required. The five preconditions include essential activities to facilitate the integration of the EMR into daily routines. Participation, communication, and support are fundamental, as described in the international literature. Failure to comply with these preconditions can lead to challenges during implementation, such as end-user resistance. Conclusion Considering social and technical aspects is paramount in implementing EMRs, which may also apply to future digital innovations’ change management processes.

Background: The ongoing implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) in Germa currently slow. Implementation science widely acknowledges the barriers and facilitators tation. Thus, specific preconditions are necessary to address the former and to support an implementation. However, a lack of knowledge exists about these necessary precondition This study aims to gain insight into key stakeholders' experiences with implementing E German hospitals to identify preconditions for embedding EMRs in this social context. Methods: Expert interviews were conducted with members of hospital-wide implementation teams concerning EMR implementation. The interviewees belonged to the nursing, IT, medical, and pharmaceutical professions and worked in hospitals with different contextual characteristics. The interview guideline was based on the practical Consolidated Framework for Implementation, which supports the systematic assessment of potential barriers and facilitators to identify implementation strategies and necessary adaptations. Data was collected between May 2021 and September 2022, and the interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Thirteen interviews were conducted with employees from eleven hospitals. Five critical preconditions emerged for EMR implementation based on our analysis: 1) adaptation, where the clinical context and EMRs are aligned; 2) stakeholder co-production, where all relevant stakeholders (e. g., professional groups, departments, and hierarchical levels) are involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating; 3) end-user participation, where end-users are involved in the implementation through close support and training; 4) integration into daily routines, where EMRs are integrated into daily work, including work processes that initially require additional effort but are necessary to experience the relative advantages; and 5) the continuous Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, where the EMR implementation process is continuously reviewed and adjusted. In addition, activities to enact these preconditions were derived based on the interview data. Discussion: Our findings indicate that overall contextual adaptation is required. The five preconditions include essential activities to facilitate the integration of the EMR into daily routines. Participation, communication, and support are fundamental, as described in the international literature. Failure to comply n hospitals is to implemeneffective EMR s in Germany. MR systems in with these preconditions can lead to challenges during implementation, such as end-user resistance. Conclusion: Considering social and technical aspects is paramount in implementing EMRs, which may also apply to future digital innovations' change management processes.

Fundal pressure (FP) during second stage of labour has been discussed controversially. The intervention involves pressure to the uppermost part of the uterus to assist vaginal birth. While evidence is lacking, women report differing experiences from violent and traumatic to positive and helpful. This paper examines the experience of FP from the perspective of women without evaluating the intervention itself. The informed grounded theory study included 12 experiences of FP. The inclusion criteria were hospital births with application of FP no longer than 12 months ago. Inductively generated codes were aligned with a previously developed theoretical model on perception formation during obstetric situations. The women’s appraisal of FP was determined by the level of perceived comprehensibility (understanding of situation and intervention) and manageability (ability to cope) as well as respective subcategories. Depending on the depictions of the participants, we determined six FP experiences as positive, three as neutral and three as negative. In all classifications, there were cases of low comprehensibility largely tied to brief medical explanations given the urgency of the situations. Regarding manageability, positive experiences were connected to high, neutral experiences to moderate, and negative experiences to low levels of manageability. Our study indicates that women’s appraisal of FP is determined by the level of comprehensibility and particularly manageability. In light of the controversies around FP, we do not take position whether FP should be applied or banned but conclude that if FP is applied, women’s comprehensibility and manageability need to be safeguarded.

BackgroundDigital patient portals (PPs) are platforms that enhance patient engagement and promote active involvement in health care by providing remote access to personal health data. Although many hospitals are legally required to offer these portals, adoption varies widely among patients, often influenced by sociodemographic and socioeconomic determinants. Evidence suggests that higher income, education, employment status, and specific age groups correlate with increased portal usage, highlighting a digital divide. This study aims to analyze sociodemographic and socioeconomic determinants affecting digital PP usage, addressing inconsistencies in existing research and contributing to strategies for reducing digital health disparities. ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of the sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors contributing to the digital divide in the usage of digital PPs. MethodsA systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, and EBSCOhost. Screening involved 3 reviewers with consensus meetings to resolve discrepancies. Data on sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors and statistical outcomes were extracted, and study quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool. Results were visualized using forest and funnel plots to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. ResultsA total of 2225 studies were identified through a systematic review, and after title and abstract screening, 17 studies were included in the quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis revealed that younger patients (younger than 65 y) were significantly more likely to use the digital PP, while the meta-analysis revealed that women had a 16% higher likelihood of using the digital PP than men. The relationship between income and digital PP usage was inconsistent, due to different scaling in different studies. A higher level of education was significantly associated with a 37% greater likelihood of using the digital PP in the meta-analysis. In addition, employed patients were 23% more likely to use the digital PP, while married patients had a 13% higher likelihood of using it than unmarried patients. Marital status and employment can be considered as measurable factors of social relationships. ConclusionsThe review confirms that sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors significantly influence the usage of digital PP in hospital care. Marital status shows that social support plays a vital role, with married patients 13% more likely to engage with digital PPs. It is worth noting that social support through connections to society via work or work colleagues can also play an important role as like as a partner at home, with employed individuals being 22% more likely to use digital PPs. Overall, sociodemographic factors, like marital status, primarily affect usage patterns, while socioeconomic factors, like employment, enable access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems to bridge the digital divide in health care. Trial RegistrationGerman register of clinical trials DRKS00033125; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00033125 and PROSPERO CRD42024567203; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024567203

BackgroundGerman hospitals are legally obliged to implement digital patient portals within the next years. Systematic reviews show that the use of patient portals may be associated with improved patient-centeredness and workflows. However, mandatory digital healthcare innovations are sometimes not used by the target group as planned or even completely rejected. Based on Roger's theory of innovation diffusion, it can be assumed that the time factor is of particular importance for the adoption of the patient portal. The aim of the project is to assess determinants of patient portal adoption and to examine whether Roger's theory can be confirmed.MethodsThe project investigates the use of the patient portal in three different clinics of a large academic teaching hospital in Germany using a longitudinal study design with three cross-sectional time points (pre, post, post). Doctors and patients are surveyed about factors that predict the use of the patient portal and whether the strength of these factors changes over time. They are also interviewed about possible barriers they experience when using the patient portal or about the reasons why the patient portal is not used. Regression models and content analyses are used to answer the research questions.DiscussionDeterminants of patient portal use will be discussed under the light of the temporal component of Roger's theory. At the same time, it is expected that some determinants will remain unchanged over time. Identifying determinants independent of time allows targeting the groups, enabling specific communication strategies to empower these groups to use the patient portal, contributing to an equal health care system.Trial registrationThe study was prospectively registered in the German register of clinical trials (DRKS00033125) in May 2024.

Background Electronic medical records (EMR) are considered a key component of the health care system’s digital transformation. The implementation of an EMR promises various improvements, for example, in the availability of information, coordination of care, or patient safety, and is required for big data analytics. To ensure those possibilities, the included documentation must be of high quality. In this matter, the most frequently described dimension of data quality is the completeness of documentation. In this regard, little is known about how and why the completeness of documentation might change after the implementation of an EMR. Objective This study aims to compare the completeness of documentation in paper-based medical records and EMRs and to discuss the possible impact of an EMR on the completeness of documentation. Methods A retrospective document analysis was conducted, comparing the completeness of paper-based medical records and EMRs. Data were collected before and after the implementation of an EMR on an orthopaedical ward in a German academic teaching hospital. The anonymized records represent all treated patients for a 3-week period each. Unpaired, 2-tailed t tests, chi-square tests, and relative risks were calculated to analyze and compare the mean completeness of the 2 record types in general and of 10 specific items in detail (blood pressure, body temperature, diagnosis, diet, excretions, height, pain, pulse, reanimation status, and weight). For this purpose, each of the 10 items received a dichotomous score of 1 if it was documented on the first day of patient care on the ward; otherwise, it was scored as 0. Results The analysis consisted of 180 medical records. The average completeness was 6.25 (SD 2.15) out of 10 in the paper-based medical record, significantly rising to an average of 7.13 (SD 2.01) in the EMR (t178=–2.469; P=.01; d=–0.428). When looking at the significant changes of the 10 items in detail, the documentation of diet (P<.001), height (P<.001), and weight (P<.001) was more complete in the EMR, while the documentation of diagnosis (P<.001), excretions (P=.02), and pain (P=.008) was less complete in the EMR. The completeness remained unchanged for the documentation of pulse (P=.28), blood pressure (P=.47), body temperature (P=.497), and reanimation status (P=.73). Conclusions Implementing EMRs can influence the completeness of documentation, with a possible change in both increased and decreased completeness. However, the mechanisms that determine those changes are often neglected. There are mechanisms that might facilitate an improved completeness of documentation and could decrease or increase the staff’s burden caused by documentation tasks. Research is needed to take advantage of these mechanisms and use them for mutual profit in the interests of all stakeholders. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00023343; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00023343

This article in the journal "Gruppe. Interaction. Organisation. (GIO)" relates to the contradictory field of action of social work in the context of pilot projects due to the complexity of framework conditions, content and intentions. It examines the question of which areas of tension and possible paradoxes can be identified from the contradictory conflicting requirements and expectations specifically named by the professional pilot project actors. The empirical approach was based on qualitative expert interviews which provide access to the experience and background knowledge of the actors of an exemplary model project analysed. A categorical comparison of the named aspects shows that the actors in social work pilot projects have to take into account multiple requirements and expectations of project and field of action-related topics. The article concludes with implications for dealing with the areas of tension in pilot projects by discussing various theoretical and practical approaches.

Background About 2,200 children and adolescents in Germany per year are diagnosed with oncological diseases. Through now, there are almost no offers for home care services for these patients. There is a pilot program offering hospital-based home care for children and adolescents with cancer in Germany. The perspective of the parents will be researched by a qualitative exploring study. Patients: In this interview study parents from children with cancer will be interviewed. Method A qualitative exploring interview study, seeking the subjective perspective from parents on the hospital-based home care for children with cancer. The sample was drawn criterion-guided. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. For socio-demographic characteristics the participants respond to an online questionnaire. Results Eleven women and three men aged between 30 and 60 years participated in the interviews. The average age of the ill children was 8.43 years. Five parents state that the children's illness did not lead to a reduction in working hours or to the termination of the employment relationship. Hospital-based home care results in subjectively perceived relief in everyday family life, especially in terms of time. Furthermore, a reduction in the psychological perception of stress is described. Discussion/conclusion Due to the study design, the results presented here are to be regarded as indicative. In future studies the presented results should be supplemented by quantitative representative studies.

Dieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ beleuchtet das bedingt durch die Komplexität von Rahmenbedingungen, Inhalten und Intentionen widerspruchsvolle Handlungsfeld Sozialer Arbeit im Kontext von Modellprojekten. Es wird der Frage nachgegangen, welche Spannungsfelder und eventuell resultierende Paradoxien aus sich widersprüchlich gegenüberstehenden, von den professionellen Modellprojekt-Akteur/-innen konkret benannten Anforderungen und Erwartungen identifizierbar sind. Die empirische Bearbeitung dieser Fragestellung erfolgte mittels qualitativer Expert/-innen-Interviews, die einen Zugang zum Erfahrungs- und Hintergrundwissen der Akteur/-innen eines exemplarisch untersuchten Modellprojektes ermöglichen. Eine kategoriale Gegenüberstellung der benannten Aspekte zeigt auf, dass die Akteur/-innen in Modellprojekten der Sozialen Arbeit multiple Anforderungen und Erwartungen projekt- und handlungsfeldbezogener Themenfelder berücksichtigen müssen. Der Beitrag schließt mit Implikationen für die Bearbeitung der Spannungsfelder in Modellprojekten, indem verschiedene theoretische wie handlungspraktische Ansätze diskutiert werden.

BackgroundGuidelines recommend the identification of potential mental and/or cognitive disorders (MCD) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, compliance with these guidelines appears to be lacking in primary care. A minimal invasive intervention was tailored with experts for the primary care setting to increase the identification of this patient group and ensure proper treatment. The intervention includes: A trigger question, screening tests and question prompt sheet for patients. Following the implementation of this intervention in primary care physician (PCP) offices, the aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation outcomes.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten PCPs who tested the intervention for six months. The study was guided by Proctor's Framework on Implementation Outcomes to understand the appropriateness, feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and sustainability of the intervention as proxies for implementation success.ResultsRelevance of the topic and the need for the intervention is recognised by all of the PCPs. All PCPs were willing to try the intervention and considered it generally appropriate and feasible. Additionally, supporting implementation resources were considered helpful in familiarising with the intervention. Screening of patients with a first diagnosis of CHD, those who have had experienced a recent coronary event and those who have been hospitalised for CHD is considered practical and appropriate. Known barriers such as lack of knowledge, perceived relevance and awareness were successfully addressed. It was not possible to overcome barriers such as time pressure, forgetfulness, and patient reaction. Additionally, the paper format of the information materials was perceived as impractical, and integration into the physician information system was identified as a possible way to increase acceptance. Nevertheless, PCPs stated they will continue to be aware of the link between CHD and MCD and want to maintain their individualised approach.ConclusionsThe study provides important insights into the use of a minimal invasive intervention in primary care. Despite tailoring the intervention to the primary care setting, implementation success was suboptimal due to individual barriers in PCP offices. This highlights the need for tailored approaches at the level of individual PCP offices to better address context-specific barriers.

IntroductionLean, especially Value Stream Mapping is increasingly used in hospitals to optimize processes. This method, which originated in the automotive industry, enables all staff involved in the process to make it more customer-friendly. Despite the widely reported success of Lean projects, they have failed in some cases. This study investigated the contextual factors and mechanisms that contribute to a successful implementation of Value Stream Mapping.MethodsValue Stream Mapping was applied to the discharge process in four breast cancer centers. A mixed-method approach was used in two steps. First, to verify the successful implementation, defined as time optimization, time measurement was conducted at three points in time and analyzed using an ANOVA. Second, an analysis of contextual factors was combined with a qualitative content analysis of mechanisms based on normalization process theory, using routine data, meeting protocols, field notes, and interview transcripts as data source.ResultsAt one of the four breast cancer centers, lead- and waiting time were significantly reduced; at the others, these reductions did not occur. Failure/success cannot be explained by the size of the hospital, the number of cases or staffing levels. The variable project team composition is evident, especially leadership involvement.DiscussionA comparative analysis was conducted to identify the factors that led to success. These factors were: participation of all leaders relevant to the process, in the case of the discharge process including medical and nursing leaders; dissemination of the changes from the project team to colleagues including its sense and possibility to discuss it; joint reflection of the implementation process in regular work team meetings.ConclusionsThese results confirm the important role of leadership in implementation projects. Leadership support enabled the mechanisms found. The used combination of theoretical approaches from management research and implementation science determined the interpretation and should be applied more often in implementation science.

Abstract Background The European healthcare system is reliant on its digital transformation to deal with challenges like rising expenditures or workforce shortage. The digital transformation is inevitably accompanied by the implementation of electronic medical records (EMR) and the ongoing adaptation of existing ones. Systematic reviews indicate that this process can have an impact on medical records data quality (DQ) [1]. At micro level, DQ is essential to ensure high quality of care. At macro level, sufficient DQ is a prerequisite for big data analyzability. In this field, completeness is a commonly analyzed dimension of DQ and empirical results indicate that completeness can improve but also deteriorate as a result of the described implementation or adoption of EMRs [2]. The aim of this work was to investigate the implementation of EMRs in comparable settings and to observe and discuss possible differences in the change in DQ. Methods Data was collected on three surgical clinics of a German academic teaching hospital before and after the implementation of an EMR. Paper-based and electronic medical records were compared. Analysis focused on ten items that were commonly documented in both record types (e.g. pain). T-tests and χ²-tests were used to compare average completeness per record type and percentage of completeness per item. Results A total of N = 659 records was analyzed. Overall, results show a significant improvement in completeness from an average of 6.0/10 items in the paper-based record type to 7.2/10 in the EMR (p<.05). At clinic level, improvement rates vary from 0.9 to 1.4. At the level of the specific items, significant deteriorations are visible in certain clinics. Conclusions Results suggest that DQs variability is context-dependent (e.g. on the clinic’s turnover rate or its patient’s length of stay). Due to the unavoidable digital transformation, a detailed context and needs analysis involving all stakeholders should be carried out before any changes are made. Key messages • The application of advanced analytics such as big data or AI training is reliant on the availability of high-quality datasets. • Electronic medical records have been demonstrated to enhance data quality, but it remains uncertain how and why improvements appear to be context-dependent.

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDer Artikel präsentiert die vom Innovationsausschuss beim Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss geförderte OpenNOTES-Studie. Im Rahmen der Studie wird die Möglichkeit einer patientenseitigen, digitalen Einsicht in die klinischen Behandlungsnotizen ihrer Gesundheitsdienstleister (Open Notes) untersucht. Während international positive Effekte von Open Notes auf das Patienten-Empowerment und die Behandlungsergebnisse nachgewiesen werden konnten, fehlen für den deutschen Versorgungskontext entsprechende Wirksamkeitsnachweise. Die quasi-experimentelle Studie kombiniert daher quantitative und qualitative Methoden, um den Einfluss von Open Notes auf patientenberichtete Outcomes wie das Patienten-Empowerment zu bewerten. Zudem werden organisatorische, technische und rechtliche Möglichkeiten und Bedingungen untersucht, um Open Notes in die Regelversorgung zu implementieren und mittels des Einsatzes von Künstlicher Intelligenz die Patientenorientierung zu optimieren und personelle Ressourcen zu schonen.

Digital patient portals (PP) are platforms that enhance patient engagement and promote active involvement in healthcare by providing remote access to personal health data. Although many hospitals are legally required to offer these portals, adoption varies widely among patients, often influenced by socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants. Evidence suggests that higher income, education, employment status, and specific age groups correlate with increased portal usage, highlighting a digital divide. This study aims to analyze socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants affecting digital patient portal utilization, addressing inconsistencies in existing research and contributing to strategies for reducing digital health disparities. Conducting a meta-analysis of the socio-demographic and socio-economic factors contributing to the digital divide in the utilization of digital patient portals. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA guidelines in the databases PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and EBSCOHost. Screening involved three reviewers with consensus meetings to resolve discrepancies. Data on socio-demographic and socio-economic factors and statistical outcomes were extracted, and study quality was assessed using the MMAT tool. Results were visualized using forest and funnel plots to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. A total of 2,225 studies were identified through a systematic review and after title and abstract screening, 17 studies were included in the quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative analysis revealed that younger patients (under 65 years) were significantly more likely to use the digital PP, while the meta-analysis revealed that women had a 17% higher likelihood of utilizing the digital PP compared to men. The relationship between income and digital PP usage was inconsistent, due to different scaling in different studies. A higher level of education was significantly associated with a 37% greater likelihood of using the digital PP in the meta-analysis. Additionally, employed patients were 23% more likely to use the digital PP while married patients had a 13% higher likelihood of using it compared to unmarried patients. The review confirms that socio-demographic and socio-economic factors significantly influence the utilization of digital PP in hospital care. Marital status shows that social support plays a vital role, with married patients 13% more likely to engage with digital PPs. It is worth noting that social support through connections to society via work or work colleagues can also play an important role as like as a partner at home, with employed individuals being 22% more likely to utilize digital PPs. Overall, socio-demographic factors, like marital status, primarily affect usage patterns, while socio-economic factors, like employment, enable access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems to bridge the digital divide in healthcare. The research project MAiBest is listed in the German register of clinical trials (DRKS00033125, https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00033125).