Aspects of the Level of Digitisation in Medical Care in Germany: Development of a Typology

Abstract

Introduction. Today, most people own smartphones, which fit into their pockets and are more powerful than the first supercomputers, and which they can use to communicate, stream music or measure their pulse. There is no end in sight to this rapid technological development. This also applies to the rapidly growing volume of health-related data. Objectives: In doctor’s practices, medical data, such as medical history, blood test results and diagnostic findings, are recorded directly in the computer system. In biomedical research entire genomes, for example those of malignant tumors, are sequenced almost routinely and are also stored and processed electronically. And, more and more people are themselves using smartphone apps, wearables and in future perhaps also implanted biosensors for continuously measuring their blood pressure, blood sugar levels and pulse. Methodology: In qualitative social research, there are only a few approaches that involve a detailed explanation and systematization of the typology process. As the concept of type is of central importance for qualitative social research, it is crucial to clarify the concept and the process of typology, as presented by Kluge in her essay published in the FQM (Forum for Qualitative Social Research). In the evaluation of secondary data from the KBV (National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians), the methodology of this approach is based on the procedure of typology development according to Kluge (2000), with the aim of demonstrating a systematic and transparent development of types and typologies in the digitization process.