Stud Health Technol Inform. 2026 May 7;335:222-229. doi: 10.3233/SHTI260088.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Digital health applications (DiGA) are regulated medical software intended to support prevention and therapy.
OBJECTIVES: To assess acceptance, potential application areas, information needs, and implementation-related criteria and concerns regarding DiGA among registered dietitians in Austria.
METHODS: An anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2025.
RESULTS: 105 eligible dietitians provided data (completion rate 88.6 %). Familiarity with the DiGA concept was moderate. DiGA were perceived as very useful or useful across most dietetic practice areas. Usability, seamless integration into patients’ everyday routines, and data protection and security were the most important criteria for recommending DiGA. Respondents expressed a strong interest in profession-specific continuing education and supported a clearly defined role of dietitians in the use of DiGA.
CONCLUSION: Austrian dietitians demonstrate openness towards DiGA while emphasizing a strong interest for competence development. Early involvement of dietitians, alongside clear quality, interoperability, and data protection standards may support the integration of DiGA into routine care.
PMID:42119124 | DOI:10.3233/SHTI260088
