ArticleBMC health services research2026
Acceptance and use of digital health technologies among physiotherapists in Germany: a web-based cross-sectional survey.
Article in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Acceptability of Telehealth Physical Therapy in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Multivariable Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, Barriers, and Biopsychosocial Health Factors.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Explaining the Use Behavior of Digital Technologies in Pediatric Rehabilitation: Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of a Cross-Sectional European Survey.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundDigital health technologies (DHT) have the potential to improve physiotherapy efficiency, access, and patient engagement, yet their uptake among physiotherapists remains limited. However, research into the individual determinants of DHT acceptance and professional use in physiotherapy practice remains scarce in Germany.
objectivesThis study investigates the acceptance of DHT among physiotherapists in Germany, identifying key factors influencing acceptance and actual use. Individual determinants such as demographic characteristics, eHealth literacy, technology readiness, and acceptance factors based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model are considered.
methodsA cross-sectional online survey of physiotherapists in Germany was conducted from November to December 2023. The questionnaire assessed UTAUT scales, including performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), and facilitating conditions (FC), as well as eHealth literacy, technology readiness, demographic characteristics, knowledge about DHT, and exposure to digital health in formal education. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed using R.
resultsData from 297 physiotherapists (M = 44.56, SD = 12.26, female = 72.23%) were analyzed. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the UTAUT scales PE, FC, and SI, as well as the additional moderator formal education in digital health, were significantly associated with higher DHT acceptance (explained variance: R² = 0.79). Older age and prior DHT use negatively influenced acceptance, while knowledge, technology readiness, and eHealth literacy showed no significant influence. Younger physiotherapists used innovative digital tools (sensors: p = .002; wearables: p = .002; web apps: p = .008) more frequently. Male physiotherapists reported higher DHT acceptance than female professionals (p = .020). Notably, physiotherapists who had never used DHT showed greater acceptance than prior users (p < .001).
conclusionsAcceptance of DHT is significantly shaped by key UTAUT constructs, notably PE, SI, and FC, with PE identified as the most influential determinant. Age-related differences were evident, as younger physiotherapists reported higher levels of digital tool acceptance. Training tailored to individual needs and technical support could enhance acceptance across age groups. Future research should investigate specific barriers to integration to help develop practical strategies for incorporating DHT in physiotherapy.
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