Factors identified that impact physicians IT adoption

(HealthDay)—Physicians have considerable concerns about the efficacy and evidence base of health information technology (IT), according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).

Noting that one of the main questions physicians have about digital health is whether it will actually work in practice, researchers from Partners HealthCare Center for Connected Health and the AMA conducted a review to examine the facilitators and barriers to physician adoption of digital health solutions.

According to the report, few papers talked about provider adoption, with only 57 studies out of more than 3,000 papers mentioning provider adoption. Interim results showed that key facilitators of adoption include availability of additional resources and training, access to accurate data, positive impact on quality of care, and evidence base for the digital health solution. Physicians encounter many frustrations every day, and they are unlikely use a digital health solution that is frustrating or logistically challenging. Physicians also highlight concerns about the accuracy and reliability of data in digital health systems. Another concern was how digital health solutions would affect face time with patients.

"By recognizing the key challenges physicians face when implementing health IT and the increase of direct-to-consumer digital health apps, the AMA aims to help physicians navigate and maximize technology for improved patient care and professional satisfaction," according to the report.