Digital at 60+: Electronic patient files - your health in focus!

Digital at 60+: Electronic patient files - your health in focus!

A lot is happening in the Kulmbach district when it comes to the digital future for seniors. An exciting series of events will start on Friday, July 4, 2025 under the motto “Digital with 60+”. This month's special topic: the electronic patient record (ePA). This event will take place in the large meeting room of the Kulmbach District Office at 10:30 a.m. and promises informative insights into digitalization in the healthcare system. The speaker, Ms. Hohlweg from AOK Bayern, will present the advantages and possible uses of the ePA. And best of all: everyone is welcome, regardless of which health insurance company they are insured with. However, prior registration is required and interested participants can register via the Kulmbach Education Region.

The ePA is a central contact point for patients that makes their lives much easier. As elektronische-patientenakte.org reports, it is a digital file that clearly stores the health data of the insured. Currently, patients have to actively apply for the ePA with their health insurance company, so there is still an “opt-in model”. But the federal government is planning to switch to an “opt-out solution” that will enable all insured people to automatically receive an ePA unless they actively object.

Digitalization in healthcare

The electronic patient record was introduced on July 1, 2021 and allows doctors to upload important medical documents into the file. However, according to experts, actual usage is still rather low. So far, around 872,000 insured people have set up an ePA. The new technology can be particularly important for older people. However, there are challenges because many seniors often feel insecure when using digital health applications. A press release from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth emphasizes how important it is to introduce older people to digital offerings and to strengthen their digital skills. Minister Sven Lehmann speaks of self-determination, which can be promoted through the use of such digital services - because they enable more effective medical care.

A project like “Digital with 60+” is right in line with the times. Since autumn 2023, this program has offered free media consultation hours and courses to teach seniors how to use digital media. Over 1,250 participants have taken part in more than 230 training events in the last two years. Valuable tips and tricks were imparted in 144 media consultation hours at various MuT points. The supporting role of organizations such as VdK Trebgast as well as numerous training courses on online banking by banks such as VR Bank Oberfranken Mitte and Sparkasse Kulmbach-Kronach also build bridges to the digital world.

The future-oriented orientation

The program continues: Over 100 new dates are already being planned for 2025. Voluntary support from the community plays an important role here. For example, students from the Adalbert Raps School are actively involved in the mobile media consultation hours, where they pass on their knowledge. The challenges that many older people face when using digital health applications also make targeted training necessary.

The ePA creates a secure digital storage location for medical documents: from doctor's letters to laboratory values ​​to medication plans. This can not only improve the flow of information in the healthcare system, but above all also strengthen patient sovereignty - a development that we can follow with great excitement. Those interested can find out all the details and planned dates online at digital60pluskulmbach.de.