An observational study in Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence (AI), sponsored by Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH. Completed at 2 sites in Germany. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-25.
Sponsored by Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH · Observational
This study aims to investigate differences in perception of barriers and facilitators of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage in healthcare across different generational groups (youth, working-age adults, and seniors). The results will help create practical recommendations for public health projects and consultants to support fair and inclusive use of new digital tools in healthcare. A cross-sectional online survey will be conducted among students at HAW, patients and employees in the rehabilitation center in Oldenburg, and seniors participating in the "Digital im Alter"(DIA) project.
This study will use an online questionnaire to collect data from respondents about their attitudes toward digital technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare, as well as their opinions about barriers and facilitators for the equal adoption of modern technologies. The survey will be conducted in November to December 2025.
The survey will use validated scales, including the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and the Human-Computer Trust Scale (HCTS), combined with additional items assessing perceived barriers and facilitators. Open-ended questions will allow participants to express their views on barriers and facilitators in their own words and from their perspective.
The study population is chosen in a way that the cohorts can cover all three generations required for the comparative study. Therefore, the cohorts in this study are:
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients in medical rehabilitation and employees in a rehabilitation center
Seniors participating in "Digital in Old Age" training courses
Students at HAW Hamburg
Trust in digitalization and AI in healthcare
* Measured with the adapted Human-Computer Trust Scale (HCTS). Total scores are calculated by summing ten items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), resulting in a minimum possible score of 10 and a maximum of 50. Higher scores indicate a greater level of trust in the computer system or AI. * Comparison across generational groups (youth, working-age adults, seniors).
Time frame: December 2025 - January 2026
Perceived barriers to adoption of AI and digitalization in healthcare
* Measured with 5 Likert-scale items (accuracy, privacy and security, lack of human contact, ethics, lack of knowledge). Each item is rated from 1 = no concern to 5 = very strong concern. * Open-ended question: "What is your biggest concern about AI and digital technologies in healthcare and why?" * Comparison across generational groups (youths, working-age adults, seniors). Analysis of universal and generation-specific barriers.
Time frame: December 2025 - January 2026
Perceived facilitators to the adoption of AI and digitalization in healthcare
* Measured with 6 Likert-scale items (clear explanations, regulation, professional review, transparent data use, training, success stories). Each item is rated from 1 = not effective to 5 = very effective. * Open-ended question: "What would help you personally to trust in digital technologies and AI in healthcare?" * Comparison across generational groups (youths, working-age adults, seniors). Analysis of universal and generation-specific facilitators.
Time frame: December 2025 - January 2026
eHealth literacy and digital skills
* Measured with the eHEALS (The eHealth Literacy Scale). Total scores are calculated by summing eight items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree), resulting in a minimum possible score of 8 and a maximum of 40. Higher scores indicate better perceived eHealth literacy. * Descriptive analysis and role as a potential moderator of trust and acceptance across generational groups.
Time frame: December 2025 - January 2026
Plan to share: No
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Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH