More than quarter of physicians now use tablet devices
Physicians taking to iPads but avoiding pharma's apps
Topics: Data Strategy, Information Technology, Electronic Medical Records Strategy
April 20, 2011
About 27% of primary care and specialty physicians own an Apple iPad or a similar tablet computer, according to a market research survey, American Medical News reports.
Conducted by Knowledge Networks and the Physicians Consulting Network, the survey polled 5,490 physicians about their use of mobile devices. About 64% of physicians own a smart phone, and physicians have adopted tablet computers at a rate five times higher than the general population, according to the findings.
Researchers found that drug reference tools were some of the most popular mobile applications among physicians. However, the survey found that few physicians are participating in "e-detailing," or electronic communication between pharmaceutical sales representatives and doctors.
When asked about their preferred communication method with drug company representatives, 23% of primary care physicians and 28% of specialists said they preferred e-detailing. In addition, few physicians reported using mobile apps from drugmakers (Dolan, American Medical News, 4/18).
