Germany's electronic patient record faces criticism over utility and privacy

One year after the mandatory implementation of the electronic patient record (ePA) in Germany, medical associations and data protection authorities are highlighting significant challenges regarding its adoption and utility.

The medical association Medi Geno reports that the ePA has failed to meet its objectives of making outpatient care more efficient and secure. Instead, practitioners report technical issues, increased administrative workloads, and unresolved concerns regarding medical confidentiality and data protection. While the system was intended to streamline care, many doctors face difficulties with unsorted documents and infrastructure problems. Active patient engagement remains low, with a survey indicating only 23.6 percent of insured individuals actively use the digital file.

Data from the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI) suggests that while there is general acceptance of the system—with nine out of ten respondents wishing to keep their ePA—data protection concerns are a primary driver for those exercising their right to object. The BfDI emphasizes that long-term acceptance depends on high levels of data security and clear, reliable information for patients to ensure they feel in control of their sensitive health information.