[Changes in physicians' attitudes to computerized ambulatory medical record systems: a longitudinal qualitative study]

The impact of eLearning on health professional educators' attitudes to information and communication technology

Background

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health professional education is increasing rapidly. Health professional educators need to be responsive to health professionals’ information and communication technological needs; however, there is a paucity of information about educators’ attitudes to, and capabilities with, ICT.

Methods

Fifty-two health professional educators, enrolled in health professional education postgraduate studies, participated in an online subject with specific eLearning components requiring the use of ICT. They completed a pre- and postquestionnaire pertaining to ICT attitudes, confidence, and usage.

Results

Participants reported significant increases in overall ICT confidence during the subject despite it being high at baseline (mean: 7.0 out of 10; P=0.02). Even with increased ICT confidence, there were decreases in the participants’ sense of ICT control when related to health professional education (P=0.002); whereas, the amount of time participants engaged with ICT devices was negatively correlated with the sense of ICT control (P=0.002). The effect of age and health discipline on ICT attitudes and confidence was not significant (P>0.05).

Conclusion

This study reports that health professional educators have perceptual deficits toward ICT. The impact of eLearning increased confidence in ICT but caused a reduction in participants’ sense of control of ICT. Health professional educators require more ICT training and support to facilitate better ICT integration in health professional education settings.

Generational influences in academic emergency medicine: teaching and learning, mentoring, and technology (part I)

For the first time in history, four generations are working together-traditionalists, baby boomers, generation Xers (Gen Xers), and millennials. Members of each generation carry with them a unique perspective of the world and interact differently with those around them. Through a review of the literature and consensus by modified Delphi methodology of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Aging and Generational Issues Task Force, the authors have developed this two-part series to address generational issues present in academic emergency medicine (EM). Understanding generational characteristics and mitigating strategies can help address some common issues encountered in academic EM. Through recognition of the unique characteristics of each of the generations with respect to teaching and learning, mentoring, and technology, academicians have the opportunity to strategically optimize interactions with one another.

[Administrative and reporting tasks of family physicians in Europe. Comparison with the Hungarian system]

Administrative tasks are continuously increasing in the different health systems worldwide and also in the primary care. The administrative and reporting tasks of family physicians in Hungary are regulated by laws and rules. The aim of the study was to compare the recent Hungarian administrative tasks to those of other European countries in the primary care. Family physicians from 22 countries of the European General Practice Research Network were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding their countries. The results of their answers were presented and analyzed. Doctors are paid by capitation or fee for services, sometimes by the combination of both. They are obliged to prepare reports which depend on the respective countries, contain identification data of patients, diagnoses to be set up, and treatments. Administrative duties and the national characteristics of drug-prescriptions, referral systems to specialist or hospital were also analyzed. Conclusions were made in comparison with the European and Hungarian regulations. Reports needed by the Hungarian authorities are more complex and detailed, with many overlaps. The reasons why data are needed are often not clear and do not fit for the purpose. The time available for medical treatment is decreased by administrative duties making the gate-keeper function ineffective. There is no time for real prevention. Without official (governmental) version of primary care softwares, family physicians use too many softwares with different quality, which are not compatible with each other. It is suggested to check and modify the data obliged in reporting systems. Only data relevant in epidemiological or economical points of view should be reported with more focus to personal protection of privacy rights.