Stud Health Technol Inform. 2026 May 7;335:197-202. doi: 10.3233/SHTI260084.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Austrian Electronic Health Record (ELGA) aims to enhance healthcare coordination and patient empowerment, yet public uptake remains limited.
OBJECTIVE: This study explored citizens’ motivations and barriers toward ELGA use and reflected on the potential of science communication events to foster dialogue on digital health.
METHODS: During the Long Night of Science at UMIT TIROL, 35 participants anonymously shared on a whiteboard their reasons for using or not using ELGA. Statements were thematically analyzed using the Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) framework.
RESULTS: Major barriers were concerns about data security and privacy, login complexity, and perceived lack of necessity. Facilitators included fast access to medical data, reduced paperwork, and improved continuity of care.
CONCLUSION: Participants balanced digital convenience with privacy concerns. Public events such as the Long Night of Science provide valuable opportunities not only to inform citizens about digital health but to let them actively participate in science, exchange perspectives, and learn from their lived experiences.
PMID:42119120 | DOI:10.3233/SHTI260084
