Tasleem Nimjee1, Ethan Miller2, Shirley Solomon3. 1. An emergency room physician, Chair of the Physician IT Advisory Committee (PITAC) and Director, Medical Innovation and Transformation at Humber River Hospital. She can be reached by email at tnimjee@hrh.ca. 2. A research assistant at Humber River Hospital. 3. A research coordinator at Humber River Hospital.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The development and advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as electronic libraries, electronic medical records and computerized physician order entry systems, have made learning and acquiring vast medical knowledge feasible. However, there are limited data pertaining to the navigation of such technologies among physicians of varying generational cohorts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore physician experiences and perspectives influencing the adoption of ICTs, with an emphasis on generational differences. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with focus groups or individual physicians were conducted, recorded and transcribed to elicit key themes. RESULTS: Across the generations, participants expressed several benefits to ICTs, such as accessibility, efficiency and use of current, evidence-based practice medicine. Common problems encountered included usability issues, downtimes, alarm fatigue, and administrative tasks. There were differences between generations regarding adaptability, perceived benefits and drawbacks and perceptions of other generations' ability to adapt. CONCLUSION: Physicians from various generations recognized the overall benefits of implementing ICTs. Although some drawbacks were reported, all participants understood the necessity of ICTs. Furthermore, implementation should be tailored to physician working style and learning needs.
BACKGROUND: The development and advancement of information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as electronic libraries, electronic medical records and computerized physician order entry systems, have made learning and acquiring vast medical knowledge feasible. However, there are limited data pertaining to the navigation of such technologies among physicians of varying generational cohorts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore physician experiences and perspectives influencing the adoption of ICTs, with an emphasis on generational differences. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with focus groups or individual physicians were conducted, recorded and transcribed to elicit key themes. RESULTS: Across the generations, participants expressed several benefits to ICTs, such as accessibility, efficiency and use of current, evidence-based practice medicine. Common problems encountered included usability issues, downtimes, alarm fatigue, and administrative tasks. There were differences between generations regarding adaptability, perceived benefits and drawbacks and perceptions of other generations' ability to adapt. CONCLUSION: Physicians from various generations recognized the overall benefits of implementing ICTs. Although some drawbacks were reported, all participants understood the necessity of ICTs. Furthermore, implementation should be tailored to physician working style and learning needs.
Authors: Donald M Hilty; Christina M Armstrong; Shelby A Smout; Allison Crawford; Marlene M Maheu; Kenneth P Drude; Steven Chan; Peter M Yellowlees; Elizabeth A Krupinski Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2022-05-25 Impact factor: 7.076