Docs Embrace Mobile Tools, Dislike Info Glut

A report from Spyglass Consulting Group shows increased physician adoption of smart phone technology.


A report from Spyglass Consulting Group shows increased physician adoption of smart phone technology. But physicians cite both an information glut and difficulty communicating with colleagues as barriers to efficient use of the technology. According to the study, 94 percent of physicians interviewed use smart phones to manage personal and business workflows, and access medical information. In 2006, a similar Spyglass survey showed just under 60 percent of physicians were using the technology.

At the same time, nearly four out of five physicians told Spyglass researchers that they had trouble communicating with their colleagues in a timely manner via smartphones. They cited the lack of financial incentives for clinician usage as one obstacle to communication. In addition, physicians are overwhelmed by the amount of incoming messages. The study was derived from interviews with 100 physicians. The complete study, “Healthcare Without Bounds: Point of Care Communications for Physicians,” is available for $2,495 at www.spyglass-consulting.com