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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Smartphone and medical application use among dentists in China

Authors: Chao Zhang, Lin Fan, Zhaowu Chai, Cong Yu, Jinlin Song

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

With the development of information technology, an increasing number of healthcare professionals are using smartphones and mobile medical applications (apps) in their clinical practice. The objective of this study was to survey the use of smartphone-based medical apps among dentists in China and determine dentists’ perceptions of such apps.

Methods

All data were collected using anonymous questionnaires. The questionnaires for this cross-sectional study were randomly sent to dentists by email, and 379 dentists responded. Dentists’ demographics and perceptions of WeChat, QQ (the most popular social media apps in China) and other medical apps were assessed; the questionnaire including questions on the purpose, frequency, daily use, and opinion of the apps they used. Questions were answered using a Likert scale (1 = strongly agree, 2 = agree, 3 = not sure, 4 = disagree, and 5 = strongly disagree).

Results

A total of 379 valid responses were received; the respondents had a median age of 33.6 years old (63.3% female). All subjects (100%) owned a smartphone, and all of them installed and used WeChat or QQ in their clinical practice. Only 76% of subjects installed medical apps (other than WeChat and QQ) on their smartphones. Male dentists were more likely to install medical apps than female dentists (p < 0.05). With increasing age, the percentage of dentists who installed medical apps decreased (p < 0.001). The frequency and daily use were higher for WeChat and QQ than for medical apps. Medical apps were positively perceived, with dentists reporting that they recommend these medical apps to their peers (Likert score: 1.67 ± 0.68).

Conclusion

Medical apps were perceived to have a positive impact on clinical practice, education and patient care in dentistry by providing relevant medical information. However, there will still be much room for improvement in the future.

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Title: Smartphone and medical application use among dentists in China
Authors: Chao Zhang
Lin Fan
Zhaowu Chai
Cong Yu
Jinlin Song
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-020-01238-3

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Smartphone and medical application use among dentists in China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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