Adaptations for e-kiosk systems in Germany to develop barrier-free terminals for handicapped persons.

Abstract

At this time in Germany, the e-health sector is especially focused on the new e-health card concept, which is currently in the test stage and should be established within the next years. This e-health card will totally change the current system, because this concept allows several new functions. Some of the possible functions are compulsory for the enrollees, while other functions are optional. Examples include electronic prescriptions, electronic patient records and the emergency data of the enrollee in case of an emergency. With these new innovations, the healthcare actors are confronted not only with several advantages but also disadvantages. A sensitive aspect here is the aggregation of enrollee data, which brings some benefits, but also a threat regarding data security and access authorization. Therefore, the regulations and laws are very strict.

Because enrollees have concerns about their data, the health insurance companies have to ensure that enrollees have the possibility to check and to manage their data. Therefore, electronic kiosk systems (e-kiosks) are important, because these terminals are self-service terminals, where the enrollees can, among other things, manage their health data. Naturally, it is important that these e-kiosks are useable for all citizens, especially handicapped persons. Hence, this chapter will also identify possibilities pertaining to how these terminals can be adapted to ensure that the different groups of handicapped persons can also use these e-kiosks.