[Digital health applications and data protection]

Digital health applications represent a new form of care. The basis for the approval of digital health applications is the Digital Healthcare Act. In order to be included in the directory, the digital health applications must undergo an extensive evaluation process by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices. The focus is on proving added value for care, but also on the technical aspects. This strictly differentiates the digital health applications from the health apps. Cutting-edge apps enable a simple output of collected data to make doctor-patient interactions efficient. Appropriate remuneration and education could increase the acceptance by the medical profession and thus accelerate implementation; however, such instruments and incentives are not currently provided for in the system.