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Attitudes Toward e-Health: The Otolaryngologists' Point of View.

Authors :
Holderried M
Hoeper A
Holderried F
Blumenstock G
Ernst C
Tropitzsch A
Source :
Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association [Telemed J E Health] 2018 Jun; Vol. 24 (6), pp. 425-432. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Dec 11.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Introduction: Online communication and the number of e-health applications have noticeably increased. However, little is known about the otolaryngologists' use behavior and their attitudes toward the potential of e-health. The aims of the study were to evaluate the documentation, information, and communication technologies used by otolaryngologists and to get a better understanding of their attitudes toward the potential of e-health for cross-sectoral patient care.<br />Methods: A survey was developed and tested by otolaryngologists, healthcare-information technology experts, and health services researchers. A total of 334 otolaryngologists in private practice were asked to participate in this cross-sectional study. In total, 234 of them took part in the study, and 157 returned completed questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed by using crosstabs, including chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regressions. Results and Materials: Digital technologies are widely used by otolaryngologists (e.g., 89.6% use an electronic health record). However, the majority of intersectoral communication is still based on analogue techniques (e.g., fax use in 63.7%). From the otolaryngologists' perspectives, the potential of e-health for intersectoral care is mostly in appointment scheduling, further referrals to hospitals, and automated appointment reminders. The physicians' attitudes toward e-health are associated with their Internet use behavior in daily life (odds ratio = 4.30, confidence interval 1.11-16.64, p = 0.035) but not with their demographics.<br />Discussion: The otolaryngologists are well prepared and have an overall positive attitude toward e-health for deeper use in cross-sectoral care. Therefore, e-health in otolaryngology needs more attention and resources for further studies, especially with a focus on quality and safety of care.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1556-3669
Volume :
24
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Telemedicine journal and e-health : the official journal of the American Telemedicine Association
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
29227206
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2017.0158