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Table 2 Qualitative evaluation of items with free-text answers in the form of a category system

From: Digital stress perception and associations with work- and health-related outcomes among general practitioners in Germany: a quantitative study

Items/Main categories

Subcategories

Stress-inducing aspects

▪ technical issues/underdeveloped technical solutions

▪ inadequate adaptation of usage to daily practice

▪ insufficient support from IT companies

Technostress reducing strategies

▪ Hiring trained personnel/IT specialists

▪ Team meetings/discussions to find solutions

▪ Selecting software providers with strong support

▪ Early engagement with hardware and software updates

▪ Time limitations/reduction of office hours

Future preventive strategies

• Staff training

• Guidelines for the use of digital technology

• Alternative simpler digital software programs

• More time on documentation therefore less time for patient care

• No actions due to time constraints, economic situation, or staff shortages

Support from health insurance companies, political entities, and other relevant organizations

• Financial relief and subsidies for introducing new technology, especially amidst increasing IT costs.

• Implementation of thoroughly tested and stable systems, ensuring uniformity.

• Reduction of bureaucracy and streamlined documentation.

• Centralized support for questions and issues, assistance during implementation.