Mohamed Nauzan Mohamed Nazeer1, Hassan Baig2, Ahmed Subeh3, Qaisar Imran Khan4, Saad Atif Majeed5, Mohammad Adil Ashraf6. 1. 156705James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 2. 1251NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 3. 59699University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 4. 473300Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 5. University Hospital Ayr, 59651University Hospital Ayr, Dalmellington Rd, Ayr, South Ayrshire KA6 6DX, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 6. 12187University of St Andrews Bute Medical School, St Andrews, Fife United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Digital health (DH) is continuously evolving by use of information and communications technology to improve healthcare provision, thereby reshaping systems and clinical practices. Recent studies identified an overwhelming lack of awareness of DH within the profession. This study aimed to analyse student perceptions and knowledge of DH to assess confidence in its use to develop greater DH awareness and literacy. METHODS: Students enrolled in undergraduate medical degrees were invited to take part in an online survey assessing aspects of DH including demography, familiarity, attitudes, level of knowledge and confidence. Anonymised data was collated and subsequently analysed to review DH awareness. RESULTS: A total of 143 students participated from nine British universities with 28.7% of respondents admitting low levels of familiarity of DH concepts. Students anticipated negative repercussions of DH including reduced data security (42.7%) and deterioration in doctor-patient relationship (30%); while improvements in healthcare access and health-outcomes are expected by 89.5% and 68.5%, respectively. 71.4% of participants believed they had minimal experience of exposure to DH and 76% believed they did not possess the necessary skills to utilise DH. Only 3.5% of students had some exposure to DH teaching during their course. CONCLUSION: There is an important requirement to address the lack of knowledge and exposure of students to DH, particularly as the world targets the COVID-19 pandemic. DH is forming the basis of the 'new normal' in healthcare, however the full potential of DH cannot be achieved unless there is an increase in its teaching incorporated into medical school curricula.
INTRODUCTION: Digital health (DH) is continuously evolving by use of information and communications technology to improve healthcare provision, thereby reshaping systems and clinical practices. Recent studies identified an overwhelming lack of awareness of DH within the profession. This study aimed to analyse student perceptions and knowledge of DH to assess confidence in its use to develop greater DH awareness and literacy. METHODS: Students enrolled in undergraduate medical degrees were invited to take part in an online survey assessing aspects of DH including demography, familiarity, attitudes, level of knowledge and confidence. Anonymised data was collated and subsequently analysed to review DH awareness. RESULTS: A total of 143 students participated from nine British universities with 28.7% of respondents admitting low levels of familiarity of DH concepts. Students anticipated negative repercussions of DH including reduced data security (42.7%) and deterioration in doctor-patient relationship (30%); while improvements in healthcare access and health-outcomes are expected by 89.5% and 68.5%, respectively. 71.4% of participants believed they had minimal experience of exposure to DH and 76% believed they did not possess the necessary skills to utilise DH. Only 3.5% of students had some exposure to DH teaching during their course. CONCLUSION: There is an important requirement to address the lack of knowledge and exposure of students to DH, particularly as the world targets the COVID-19 pandemic. DH is forming the basis of the 'new normal' in healthcare, however the full potential of DH cannot be achieved unless there is an increase in its teaching incorporated into medical school curricula.