Previously submitted to: Journal of Medical Internet Research (no longer under consideration since Jan 06, 2020)
Date Submitted: Nov 19, 2018
Open Peer Review Period: Dec 3, 2018 - Jan 28, 2019
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Preferences, perceptions and barriers of e-health among Latin American physicians: an Ecuadorian cross-sectional study
Background:
The rapid growth and development of mobile and wireless technologies provides great potential to improve healthcare around the world, especially in low and middle-income countries. The application of eHealth could provide numerous benefits to healthcare systems, however there are still knowledge gaps, particularly in Latin America.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to assess the preferences, perceptions, and barriers of mobile technologies among physicians in Latin America.
Methods:
We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey study in 640 Ecuadorian physicians. This questionnaire consisted of 13 items about demographic data and preferences, perceptions and barriers for eHealth use by physicians. Chi-square tests for goodness of fit and independence were performed, whilst Phi coefficient was interpreted to assess the strength of associations. Fisher exact test was performed when required.
Results:
: More than 90% of physicians reported that they use ICTs to message other physicians and patients (p=.000). While 89.5% individuals use social media to interact with other physicians, only 58.1% use them to interact with patients (p=.000). Finally, almost all physicians reported that they use ICTs to search academic information (p=.000). Moreover, more than 80.0% agree that eHealth may be used to promote health and medical services, search new job opportunities, get involved in research projects and promote teamwork with colleagues. However, 83.6% physicians expressed concerns about privacy and patient confidentiality, while 53.8% stated that they lacked the time to use eHealth resources.
Conclusions:
High usage of eHealth applications was found among Ecuadorian physicians. Additionally, most of younger physicians, with less postgraduate years, and non-specialists had a positive perception toward eHealth technologies. Privacy and patient confidentiality, followed by time management, were the most reported barriers in our study.
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