I’ve always believed that physicians are one of the most tech-savvy groups of people. Apart from the historic use of sophisticated diagnostic and procedural devices, physicians have shown their canny use of technology by, for example, being among the first group of professionals to adopt PDAs. Epocrates replaced the bulky Physicians’ Desk Reference almost overnight. When given the right incentives, physicians have always embraced technology. A new study from the Manhattan Institute finds that, in many cases, physicians are using internet-based technologies and online communication tools more than the general population:

• The research finds that 36% of physicians now communicate with patients online (up from 19% in 2003), and that physicians are more active than the average consumer when it comes to new media.

• 54% of US physicians own a smartphone.

• Google is the most popular search engine among physicians, with 91% reach among physicians searching for health and pharmaceutical information online.

• 83% of physicians watch video clips online, as compared with 34% of all US adults.

This is good news for those of us who believe in the power of technology to help physicians better commuicate and connect with patients and other healthcare providers.

Filed under: Innovation