About 27% of primary care and specialty physicians own an Apple iPad or a similar tablet computer, according to a survey released by market research firm Knowledge Networks and the Physicians Consulting Network, American Medical News reports.
The survey polled 5,490 physicians about their use of mobile devices.
Key Findings
The survey found that physicians have adopted tablet computers at a rate five times higher than the general population. It also found that 64% of physicians own a smart phone.
Researchers found that drug reference tools were some of the most popular mobile applications among physicians. Knowledge Networks also noted that more doctors are using mobile devices for:
E-mail;
Research; and
Taking surveys.
‘E-Detailing’ Not Catching On
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).