Smartphone Usage Amongst Doctors In The Clinical Setting: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study Between Two Culturally Distinct Countries (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Ajay Nair ◽  
Samreen Afroz ◽  
Bushra Urooj Ahmed ◽  
Uzma Urooj Ahmed ◽  
Chi Chung Foo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Western World ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Patient Privacy ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Apps

BACKGROUND Smartphone and medical applications have seen a surge in popularity in recent years which has also been reflected in the healthcare system. Despite increased reliance amongst clinicians however, limited research has been conducted on the uptake and impact of smartphone usage in the medical practice especially outside the Western world. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify the usage of smartphones and medical apps by doctors in the clinical setting in two culturally distinct countries, King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH), Bahrain and Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), Hong Kong. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted where doctors in both hospitals were asked to take part in a 15-item online survey. The questions were categorized into the following groups: the demographics of the study population, ownership and main use of smartphones, the number and names of medical apps currently owned, rating usage of smartphones for medical purposes, time spent on a smartphone related to clinical use, clinical reliance of smartphones, and views on further integration of smartphones. The results were then tabulated and analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25 for Mac (IBM, USA). RESULTS A total of 200 doctors were surveyed with a total of 99% (99/100) of the doctors owning a smartphone in both KHUH and QMH. 57.6% (57/99) and 54.5% (54/99) of the doctors from KHUH and QMH respectively identified communication as their main use of smartphones in the clinical setting (P= .004). Doctors from KHUH were likely to spend more time on medical apps than doctors from QMH (P = .002). According to the overall result of both the hospitals, 47.8% (32/67) of the junior doctors claimed high reliance on smartphones whereas only 32.3% (41/127) of the seniors said the same (P = .03). 78% (78/100) and 69% (69/100) of doctors in KHUH and QMH either strongly agreed or agreed that smartphones need to be integrated into the clinical setting. In terms of preferences for future apps, 48% and 56% of the doctors in KHUH and QMH respectively, agreed that more medical applications need to be created in order to support smartphone use in the clinical setting. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest a substantial acceptance of smartphone technology by doctors in clinical settings. This brings up the need to establish policies to integrate this technology officially in accordance with ethical guidelines. With more emphasis placed on creating medical applications that aid healthcare professionals in attaining their information from accurate sources and also regulate a system to monitor the usage of mobile devices within hospitals to prevent the breach of patient privacy and confidentiality.

scholarly journals Risks and Benefits of Using Social Media in Dermatology: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study

10.2196/24737 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e24737
Author(s):  
Moshe Y Bressler ◽  
Eugene Grudnikoff ◽  
Yaakov Bressler ◽  
Rebecca Tamez ◽  
John G Zampella
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Generation X ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
Media Use ◽  
The United States ◽  
Patient Privacy ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background Dermatological information on social media is often presented by nondermatologists. Increasing the online engagement of trained dermatologists may improve information quality, patient education, and care. Objective Our study assesses dermatologists’ perceptions of social media and patterns of use to identify barriers limiting engagement. Methods In our cohort study, a 36-item online survey was distributed to dermatologists in the United States; responses were captured on a 1-100 sliding scale. Results Of 166 initiated surveys, 128 valid responses were submitted. Dermatologists showed greater concern for social media risk-related issues (mean 77.9, SD 15.1) than potential benefits (mean 61.8, SD 16.4; P<.001). Leading concerns were poor patient care, nonevidence-based information, and breaching patient privacy. Benefits included interphysician collaboration, patient education, and public health awareness. The most avid and enthusiastic social media users were millennials (mean total optimism score 67.5, SD 14.9) and baby boomers (mean total optimism score 63.1, SD 11.2) compared with Generation X dermatologists (mean total optimism score 52.2, SD 16.3, P<.001). Of 128 dermatologists, 103 (82.4%) plan on increasing their social media use (P=.003). Predictors showing an intent to increase future social media use were younger age, integration into professional use, and an optimistic view (r2=.39; P<.001). Conclusions Dermatologists perceive the risk of social media to be considerable but still intend to increase its use, likely recognizing the value and importance of social media to the field.

scholarly journals Knowledge, perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards biobanking issues

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248401
Author(s):  
Ahmed Samir Abdelhafiz ◽  
Eman A. Sultan ◽  
Hany H. Ziady ◽  
Douaa M. Sayed ◽  
Walaa A. Khairy
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
User Fees ◽  
Broad Consent ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Contact Potential ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
And Storage

Objectives Collection and storage of biospecimens and data for biobanking raise many ethical concerns. Stakeholders’ opinions about these ethical issues are important since they can help in the development of ethical guidelines to govern biobanking activities. Physicians are among the important stakeholders since they contact potential participants and could be biobank users. The goal of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and attitude of Egyptian physicians towards ethical issues in biobanking. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was designed and distributed with the target group between November 2019 and January 2020. Results The questionnaire was completed by 223 physicians. While 65.5% reported hearing the term "Biobanking" before, 45.7% knew that there are biobanks in Egypt. Participants had a general positive attitude towards the value of biobanks in research. About 73% agreed that biobanks can share biospecimens with international research organizations, but only 42.6% supported collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, and 44% agreed to the use of user fees by biobanks. About 48% supported the use of broad consent in biobanks, and 73.1% believed that donors of biospecimens should be informed about results of research performed on their biospecimens. Conclusion Although many Egyptian physicians heard about biobanking, they had limited knowledge about the existence of biobanks in Egypt. They had concerns about commercialization, use of broad consent and user fees. A knowledge gap exists among these stakeholders, which should be covered by different educational activities. Community discussions should start to reach consensus about the issues of commercialization and return of research results.

scholarly journals Risks and Benefits of Using Social Media in Dermatology: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moshe Y Bressler ◽  
Eugene Grudnikoff ◽  
Yaakov Bressler ◽  
Rebecca Tamez ◽  
John G Zampella
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Generation X ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Information Quality ◽  
The United States ◽  
Patient Privacy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Education And Care

BACKGROUND Dermatological information on social media (SM) is often presented by non-dermatologists. Increasing online engagement by trained dermatologists may improve information quality, patient education and care. OBJECTIVE To assess dermatologists’ perceptions of SM and patterns of use to identify barriers limiting engagement. METHODS In our cohort study, a 36-item online survey was distributed to dermatologists in the United States; responses were captured on a 1-100 sliding scale. RESULTS 128 valid responses were submitted. Dermatologists showed greater concern for SM risk-related issues than potential benefits (mean score 77.9±15.1 vs. 61.8±16.4, p<.0001). Leading concerns were poor patient care, non-evidence-based information, and breaching patient privacy. Benefits included inter-physician collaboration, patient education, and public health awareness. The most avid SM users were Millennials, and along with Baby Boomers, were more optimistic than Generation X dermatologists about SM use benefits. Predictors showing intent to increase future SM use were younger age, integration into professional use, and optimistic view (r2=.39, p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Dermatologists perceive SM's risks to be considerable, but still intend to increase its use, likely recognizing the value and importance of SM to the field.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Perception, and Use of Medical Applications Among Health Professions’ Students in a Nigerian University

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chidozie Emmanuel Mbada ◽  
David Bamidele Olakorede ◽  
Chizoba Favour Igwe ◽  
Clara Toyin Fatoye ◽  
Funminiyi Sunday Olatoye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Positive Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Apps ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Nigerian University ◽  
High Level

Background: Harnessing the potentials of applications (apps) for clinical training and practice has turned into the focal point of innovation. Objectives: The current study was aimed to determine knowledge, perception, and medical apps use among medical students of a Nigerian University. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 320 medical students (193 males and 127 females) are participated, with a response rate of 90.9%. The face and content validity was determined by a pilot test on obtained information about knowledge, perception, and use of medical applications, as well as socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Alpha level was set at P < 0.05. Results: The 12-months and point prevalence of smartphone ownership and using smartphone-based medical apps were 90% and 81.9%; and 65.9% and 50.9%, respectively. There was a high level of knowledge (81.9%), and positive perception (80%) about medical apps use. Knowledge of medical apps usage was significantly associated with each of age (χ2 = 30.541, P = 0.001) and academic levels (χ2 = 19.270, P = 0.001). A significant association was found between the perception of medical apps and age (χ2 = 13.554, P = 0.004). Also, there was a significant association between current use of medical apps and each of age (χ2 = 12.018, P = 0.007) and academic levels (χ2 =11.297, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Although smartphone ownership was high among Nigerian medical students, their usage of smartphone-based medical apps was moderate. Being of younger age and higher level of study are major contributors to a high level of knowledge and positive perception about medical apps use.

Contribution of the smartphone in medical practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 032-038
Author(s):  
F Bennaoui ◽  
Karim Mohammed Nabil ◽  
N El Idrissi Slitine ◽  
FMR Maoulainine
Keyword(s):  
Linear Correlation ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Optimal Care ◽  
Professional Boundaries ◽  
Medical Apps ◽  
Significant Linear Correlation ◽  
Mother And Child

Purpose to determine the place of the smartphone by evaluating the possession and the use of medical applications in the practice of the professionals at the Mohamed VI University Hospital of Marrakech and hospital “Moulay Youssef Rabat” This is a prospective descriptive and mono-centric analytical study on health professionals working or performing their training at hospital structures during the 6 months of the study using a smartphone. Our study took place over a period of 6 months, from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019, is carried out on two sites. Within the Moulay Youssef Hospital Rabat CHR, Hospital mother and child Mohamed VI Hospital Marrakech hospital. A clear predominance of female 131 (65%) , with a sex ratio F / H of 0.51.with an average age of 34.4 years, with extreme ages between 60 and 18 years. We found that 149 (74.5%) were hospital professionals, 86 (43%) were medical students, 191 (95.57%) used French as their main language. - 142 (71%) use a smartphone and 125 (62.5%) use it in the medical prescription. Of the 200 professionals, 81% were convinced of the benefit of using Smartphones. The overflow of professional boundaries was highlighted as a disadvantage by 47% of the professionals.130 (65%) want more APPS communications and more than 50% were willing to pay between 50 and 200 MAD for medical APPS. In our study There is a statistically significant linear correlation between the age and the number of smartphone users during these 6 months (p = 0.023).There is a statistically significant linear correlation between professional status and number of smartphone uses during these 6months (p <0.001). Our study joins the data of the literature with an average of the number of use during these 6 months which is not statistically different according to the sex (p = 0.27). There is a statistically significant linear correlation between the average number of smartphone uses for medical purposes and the number of Smartphone usage during these 6 months (p <0.001). In our study, the average number of uses during these 6months is statistically different depending on the professionals we judge that it is beneficial (p = <0.01). The smartphone is a real tool in the practice of health professionals for optimal care of the patient. It would be interesting to develop formal assessment strategies and training in these medical applications for use with confidence in our context.

Digging into Debt: The Financial Burden Associated with the Otolaryngology Match

2017 ◽  
Vol 156 (6) ◽  
pp. 1091-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc A. Polacco ◽  
Jack Lally ◽  
Andrew Walls ◽  
Linnea R. Harrold ◽  
Sonya Malekzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Financial Burden ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Match Process ◽  
Additional Funding ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical ◽  
The Cost

Objective To quantify the cost incurred during the match process for otolaryngology applicants, determine sources of expenditures, and highlight potential methods to alleviate financial burden of the match process. Study Design Cross-sectional. Study Setting Online survey. Subjects and Methods An electronic survey was sent via email to those who applied to the otolaryngology residency programs at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital during the 2016 application cycle. Questions regarding demographics and experiences with the match were multiple choice, and questions regarding cost were open answer. Data were downloaded and analyzed on Excel and Minitab software. Results Twenty-eight percent of the total 370 applicants completed the survey. The mean cost of away rotations was $2500 (95% confidence interval [CI], $2224-$2776). With application fees and the cost of interviewing, the mean total cost of applying for the 2016 otolaryngology match was $6400 (95% CI, $5710-$7090), with a total range of $1200 to $20,000. Twenty-eight percent of students did not have sufficient funds for applying and interviewing despite seeking out additional monetary resources. Conclusion In 2016, otolaryngology applicants spent a mean of $8900 (95% CI, $7935-$9865) on away rotations, applications, and interviewing. Half of the applicants obtained additional funding to cover this cost, while 28% still did not have sufficient funding. Methods of decreasing cost may include instituting a cap on application number, videoconferencing interviews, regionalizing interviews, and adjusting the interview timeline.

scholarly journals “COVID-19: The final nail in coffin for physical examination” Evaluation of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on physical examination habits of residents in a university hospital: a cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Erdevir ◽  
Oğuz Uyaroğlu ◽  
Murat Özdede ◽  
Mine Durusu Tanriover
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internal Medicine Residents ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Independent Risk Factors ◽  
Self Protection ◽  
And Training

Aims: It is evident that COVID-19 pandemic have affected the medical practice and training of residents. In this study, we evaluated the Physical Examination (PE) habits of residents working in a university hospital and how their PE practices did change during the pandemic. Methods: This single-center, non-interventional, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in a university hospital using an online survey questionnaire from 5 to 20 October 2020. Results: 308 residents participated in the study of whom 172 of them (55.8%) were female and the median age was 27 (IQR:3). Among all, 263 participants (85.4%) declared that they have worked in the areas where suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients were being served. A total of 262 (85%) residents stated that PE habits have changed generally during the pandemic. There was a significant difference between those residents who have worked in the COVID-19 areas (n=230,87.5%) and those who have not (n=32, 71.1%) (p=0.004). PE habits of Internal Medicine Residents were more changed than others (p<0.001). The main reason for the change in PE habits in general (77.9%) and during the examination of suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients (89.7%) were ‘’self-protection”. Reliance on laboratory and radiologic investigations during practice and not having a thought that less PE will disrupt the diagnosis and course of COVID-19 were also independent risk factors for performing less PE in suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients. Discussion: This study clearly demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the PE habits of the residents while examing patients in general and with COVID-19.

scholarly journals Understanding patient preference for physician attire in ambulatory clinics: a cross-sectional observational study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e026009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Zollinger ◽  
Nathan Houchens ◽  
Vineet Chopra ◽  
Lauren Clack ◽  
Peter Werner Schreiber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Preference Score ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
White Coat ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Dress Code ◽  
Physician Patient Relationship ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample

ObjectivesWe explored patient perceptions regarding physician attire in different clinical contexts and resultant effects on the physician–patient relationship.SettingThe 900-bed University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.ParticipantsA convenience sample of patients receiving care in dermatology, infectious diseases and neurology ambulatory clinics of the University Hospital Zurich participated in a paper-based survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe survey instrument was randomised and showed photographs of male or female physicians wearing various forms of attire. On the basis of the respondents’ ratings of how the physician’s attire affected perceptions across five domains (knowledgeable, trustworthy, caring, approachable and comfort with the physician), a composite preference score for attire was calculated as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included variation in preferences by respondent characteristics and context in which care was provided.ResultsOf 834 patient respondents (140 in dermatology, 422 in infectious diseases and 272 in neurology), 298 (36%) agreed that physician attire was important. When compared with all available choices, the combination of white scrubs with white coat was rated highest while a business suit ranked lowest. Variation in preferences and opinions for attire were noted relative to respondent demographics and the clinical setting in which the survey was administered. For example, compared with younger patients, respondents ≥65 years of age more often reported that physician dress was both important to them and influenced how happy they were with their care (p=0.047 and p=0.001, respectively).ConclusionsOutpatients at a large Swiss University hospital prefer their physicians to be dressed in white scrubs with white coat. Substantial variation among respondents based on demographics, type of physician and clinical setting were observed. Healthcare systems should consider context of care when defining policies related to dress code.

scholarly journals Changing attitudes towards annual influenza vaccination amongst staff in a Tertiary Care Irish University Hospital

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma C. Kearns ◽  
Ian Callanan ◽  
Ann O’Reilly ◽  
Aisling Purcell ◽  
Niamh Tuohy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flu Vaccination ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
Changing Attitudes

Abstract Background Healthcare workers are encouraged annually to get vaccinated against influenza. This year in view of COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes of HCWs towards vaccination are particularly important. A cross-sectional study was completed to understand how to best encourage and facilitate the vaccination of HCWs based on the previous years’ findings. Methods An online survey was disseminated to all hospital staff via electronic channels. The clinical audit sphinx software was used for data collection and analysis. Results The total number of responses was n = 728, almost double the rate from 2018 (N = 393). A total of 78% (N = 551) of participants were vaccinated last year. A total of 94% (N = 677) of participants reported their intention to be vaccinated this year. The main barriers listed were being unable to find time (32%, N = 36), side effects (30%, N = 33) and thinking that it does not work (21%, N = 23). The most popular suggestions for how to increase uptake were more mobile immunisation clinics (72%, N = 517) and more information on the vaccine (50%, N = 360). A total of 82% of participants (N = 590) agreed that healthcare workers should be vaccinated, with 56% (N = 405) agreeing that it should be mandatory. Of the participants who were not vaccinated last year (N = 159), 40% (N = 63) agreed that COVID-19 had changed their opinion on influenza immunisation with a further 11% (N = 18) strongly agreeing. Discussion In light of the increasing number of survey participants, more staff were interested in flu vaccination this year than ever before. The COVID-19 pandemic has had some influence on staff’s likelihood to be vaccinated. Feasibility of immunisation and education posed the largest barriers to HCW vaccination.

scholarly journals Covid-19 Pandemic and its Effect on Residents' Mental Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar Yazdani ◽  
Hend Esmaeili ◽  
Abdulla K AlSaleh ◽  
Ahmed Sultan ◽  
Esam Alamad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Treatment ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Objective ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Time ◽  
The Impact

Concerns about COVID-19's long-term consequences on the mental health of frontline health professionals are mounting as the entire world strives anew to contain it. The primary objective of this research is to describe the impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic on junior doctors' mental health and to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on junior doctors' training and professional performance. A cross-sectional online survey using the Google Forms platform was conducted from May 1st to May 30th , 2021, in 311 healthcare workers who were currently enrolled in a residency program at the Kuwait Institutional of Medical Specialization (KIMS). Socio-demographic details of each health worker were collected and the scores related to depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the previously validated depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21). Higher stress scores were seen in those who were devoid of the option to work with COVID-19 patients (adjusted β 5.1 (95%CI:1.2-9);p=0.01), who reported that working during the pandemic affected their study schedule (adjusted β 4.8 (95%CI:1.6-8.1);p= 0.004), and who lost off service training time (adjusted β 2.7 (95%CI:0.13-5.2); p=0.034). Further, the anxiety scores were significantly higher in females. The impact of the ongoing pandemic on residents' mental health is grave, necessitating psychological treatment and support. The study discovered various factors linked to depression, anxiety, and stress. As a result, these aspects must be regarded to protect the residents' mental health.

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