[Use of digital information and support services by informal caregivers from the perspective of medical assessors : Results from a focus group study].

Background: People in need of care and their relatives have a high need for information, especially at the beginning of a need for care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the use of digital information and support services by informal caregivers from the perspective of medical assessors at the Bavarian Medical Service (MD Bayern), who conduct numerous home visits.

Method: From June to July 2024, four guided online-based focus group interviews were conducted with 29 medical assessors from MD Bayern. The data were transcribed, pseudonymized, and evaluated using qualitative content analysis.

Results: The medical assessors' experience show that digital care-related services are only used to a limited extent by people in need of care, despite the existing need. Use is more widespread among relatives, especially the so-called "care degree calculator". The experts believe that the main reasons for the low use are older age, lack of digital skills, and limited infrastructure in rural areas. Experts assessed an information flyer as a suitable means of informing caregiving households specifically about digital services.

Conclusion: In order to increase the use of digital services in the context of home care, targeted information campaigns and measures to promote digital literacy are essential. In addition, these services need to be more closely aligned with the heterogeneous needs of the target group.