According to Manhattan Research, an advisory firm, their new healthcare market research study reveals that doctors’ use of computer tablets and other digital devices has increased by almost two times in only this last year which was more rapid than expected. Monique Levy, vice president of research points out:
“Physicians are evolving in ways we expected-only faster. The skyrocketing adoption rates of tablets alone, especially iPads, means healthcare stakeholders should revisit many of their assumptions about reaching and engaging.”
The survey questioned 3015 practicing doctors from more than twenty-five specialties.
Main points of the survey from “Taking the Pulse U.S. 2012” include:
- Tablets, mostly iPads, are mainstream: Physician tablet adoption for professional purposes almost doubled since 2011, reaching 62 percent in 2012, with the iPad being the dominant platform. Also, one-half of tablet-owning physicians have used their device at the point-of-care.
- More screens, more access: Physicians with three screens (tablets, smartphones and desktops/laptops) spend more time online on each device and go online more often during the workday than physicians with one or two screens.
- Physician-only social networks stagnant: Adoption of physician-only social networks remained flat between 2011 and 2012. The study found that physicians reach out more frequently to and are more influenced by colleagues they formed relationships with at school or at work than peers they first connected with online.
- Online video widely used: More than two-thirds of physicians use video to learn and keep up-to-date with clinical information.
Usage of technology by your physicians may be a great way to ensure that your doctor is up-to-date and that both diagnoses and treatment options will greatly improve.
