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February 11, 2005
Enhanced Patient Care Leads Physicians' Choices of Technology Tools: Pri-Med Institute Survey
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Enhanced Patient Care Leads Physicians' Choices of Technology Tools: Pri-Med Institute Survey
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2005--Enhancing patient care and personal productivity are principal decision factors in primary care practitioners' adoption of information and communication technology solutions, according to the 2004 National Healthcare Solutions survey by the Pri-Med Research Group released today.
Disease management applications top the doctors' "want" list, with 60% expressing interest in software and systems focused on managing patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Currently, 27% report employing some disease management software application, a ratio little changed from the previous year.
Use and incorporation of technology solutions in the medical field is steadily rising with a notable interest by physicians. Two-thirds continue to report using online and database clinical reference tools and office automation and billing software. Nearly half of respondents now use a handheld device or Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), and a further 25% plan to do so over the next twelve months. More than one in five physicians reported using e-prescribing systems, and another 42% said they were planning to do so in 2005.
Growing interest in new technologies including EMR and Tablet PCs was also reported. 21% said they planned to adopt Tablet PCs in the coming year and over half (57%) are interested in learning more about EMR software in the future.
"The Pri-Med tracking survey points to not only a growing interest among primary care practitioners in technology solutions, but a clear trend toward increasing use of these technologies in medical practice," Annalisa Tammaro, Pri-Med Research Manager said. "Physicians want to invest in technology tools that they see as means of improving patient care, increasing productivity and making their medical practice more cost effective."
Technology Information Sources
The second annual Pri-Med Healthcare Solutions Survey found relatively low levels of familiarity with technology providers outside of Microsoft, ePocrates and WebMD. At the same time, there is evidence of mounting interest among primary care practitioners in technology solutions that promise to enhance patient care and personal productivity.
Nearly two out of three respondents cite tradeshows and conferences and exhibitions as the primary source of product and service information when making IT purchase decisions. More than half reported attending at least one medical conference session devoted to technology solutions at a Pri-Med Conference & Exhibition in 2004, and 70% visited a technology product exhibit.
"As physicians report a need and desire to learn more about technology options, the challenge is learning which technology will work best for them," said Tammaro. "Physicians will continue to increase their exposure to technology-focused education in the future in order to remain informed and current on the latest advances."
Information provided by the Pri-Med. It is Pri-Med's goal to advance the practice of medicine and the outcomes of care for patients. Pri-Med is committed to researching the needs, attitudes and behaviors of the nation's clinicians as a crucial step toward providing superior quality continuing education that is evidence-based, and clinical management strategies that are innovative in design and that motivate physicians to adopt appropriate, up-to-date clinical practices.
Contacts
Pri-Med Institute
Annalisa Tammaro, 617.406.4044
ATammaro@mc-comm.com
or
Media Relations
Bob McDermott, 312.588.1054
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