Usage and Impact of Information and Communication Technologies in Healthcare Delivery

Abstract

This paper discusses two aspects of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in healthcare: first, the prevalence of using tablets and laptop computers by physicians during clinical visits and, second, the growing trend of using such technologies for delivering healthcare remotely. Phone interview data from a random sample of 1,600 individuals with diverse sociodemographic characteristics were collected. Open-ended and structured questionnaires were used to elicit relevant information, which was analyzed using qualitative content analysis and logistic regression models. Results suggest that, as computer literacy is increasing within the general population and caregivers’ skills in using the computer technology is improving, patients are welcoming the use of ICTs in healthcare. The analysis also showed that age together with enabling factors, such as income and education, are substantial barriers to the use of remote care services, even more important than gender, place of residence, race or ethnicity, and care need. Income and education do not influence the acceptance of ICT use by doctors during visits. Females, older participants, and those with more children in the household showed more resistance to the use of ICT in healthcare. At the same time, the depersonalization of interactions with caregivers was a critical concern identified related to the use of ICT in healthcare.