Martin Holderried1,2, Ansgar Hoeper3, Friederike Holderried1, Gunnar Blumenstock4, Christian Ernst2, Anke Tropitzsch1. 1. 1 E-health Research Group, Department of Otolaryngology, Tuebingen University Hospital , Tuebingen, Germany . 2. 2 Institute of Health Care and Public Management, University of Hohenheim , Stuttgart, Germany . 3. 3 Institute for e-Health and Management in Health Care, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences , Flensburg, Germany . 4. 4 Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, Faculty of Medicine, Tuebingen University , Tuebingen, Germany .
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. 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. 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.
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. 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. 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.
Authors: Marietta Hamberger; Nensi Ikonomi; Julian D Schwab; Silke D Werle; Axel Fürstberger; Angelika Mr Kestler; Martin Holderried; Udo X Kaisers; Florian Steger; Hans A Kestler Journal: JMIR Mhealth Uhealth Date: 2022-04-13 Impact factor: 4.947
Authors: Long Hoang Nguyen; Lien Thi Khanh Nguyen; Tham Thi Nguyen; Vu Anh Trong Dam; Thuc Minh Thi Vu; Hao Anh Si Nguyen; Giang Thu Vu; Carl A Latkin; Roger C M Ho; Cyrus S H Ho Journal: JMIR Med Educ Date: 2022-09-13