PERCEPTION AND USES OF MEDICAL APPS AMONG POST-GRADUATES OF A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL,D.K,KARNATAKA


Dr.Prakash kumar , Dr.A.Nagarajachari
TUTOR CUM PG, KVG MEDICAL COLLEGE SULLIA
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of medical applications (Apps) is opening new and innovative ways to improve health and health care delivery. These Software applications (apps) are providing evidence-based decisional tools to reduce medical errors and enhancing educational and workplace activities among healthcare workers , with the potential to improve overall patient care. Objective: To explore the perception, purpose of installation and impact of medical apps on the clinical training/practice among the Post-graduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Sullia,D.K,Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in November 2020 among 50 Post-graduates, who were selected by simple random sampling method. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire about the perception and uses of medical apps. Results: Among 50 respondents,26(52%)males and 24(48%)females had smart- devices. 47(94%) using smart phones and 3(6%) using tablets ,majority of which was android-based 45(91.86%). Almost all participants 49(98%) were aware of availability of medical apps and 46(92%)had installed it. 27(54%)participants had installed 1 to 5 apps in their devices and 19(38%)were spending 40 to 60 minutes per day on healthcare apps. Of all respondents ,number and percentage of using various healthcare apps was medical education/textbooks36(72%),procedure&casedocumentation32(64%),diseasediagnosis/management 43(86%),clinical score calculation 14(28%) & drug reference 41(82%).Regarding perception of healthcare apps ,most participants found it useful in medical education & patient care & were interested in recommending to peer group. Regarding impact of medical apps most participants found it useful in clinical decision making, assisting in differential diagnosis, allowing faster access to evidence-based medical practice and saving time. Respondents recommended use of medical apps to improve healthcare, to access medical education and improve their clinical skills. Conclusions: Medical apps are used by the majority of Post-graduates on a daily basis in order to perform their job.Evidence-based, affordable and credible medical apps are needed to provide a platform for better patient care, continuing medical education and improving clinical skills of the healthcare professionals.
Keywords: Smart phone , Medical app, Mobile health, Mobile apps, Post-graduates
Journal Name :
EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR)

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Published on : 2021-04-07

Vol : 7
Issue : 4
Month : April
Year : 2021
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