Two recent surveys of physician Internet use
reveal somewhat different pictures. Although the survey focused on primary care
physicians, the results may give some insight into how frequently other healthcare
providers also use this valuable tool.
P/S/L Research has found that between 55%
(Germany) and 93% (United States) of primary care physicians have accessed the
Internet and project that in 2001, between 75% (Germany and Italy) and 97%
(United States) will. They find that physician use varies from searching
primarily for disease and drug information to communicating with other
healthcare professionals and accessing specific Web sites. Many physicians in
the study also suggested that their patients use the Internet to obtain medical
information.
However, WeSurveyMd.com, a new service from
Ziment, found that although 75% of physicians used the Internet for drug and
disease information, only 27% believed the Internet would save health system
money. Only one-third were interested in using the Internet for communicating
with patients, consulting with colleagues, participating in clinical trials or
filing insurance claims.
Some physicians in the Ziment study did
express interest in using the Internet to practice medicine remotely (41%) and
to access medical records online (21%).
Optometric Management, Issue: December 2000