Uses of Smart Device Technology in Medical Field among Clinical Physicians: Is It Important?

Background: Smart devices have effective role in medical education and practice. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of smart devices usage between medical practitioners and their perceptions towards its benefits in clinical practice. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted, targeting clinical physicians at Tanta University Hospitals. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information, data related to frequency of using smart device in medical field and common uses. The respondents’ perception towards smart device technology during clinical practice were also assessed. Results: the study included 748 clinicians, with mean age of 33.7±2.8 years, 36% of them were registrar. The adoption rate of smart device was 72%. Amongst the three groups, the often group showed predominant of clinicians whose ages between 31 to 35 years (39.6%), female (63.6%), and registrars (54.3%) and non-surgical specialties clinicians (56.3%) with statistically significant difference. Most of participants agreed that their institution should provide them with valid medical applications (apps) (70.3%), integrating hospital information system through personal devices (77.7%) and providing patients’ laboratory and radiological data on smart devices (78.7%). Conclusions: Smart devices technology is beneficial to healthcare physicians, who support using this technology for efficient patient care particularly among young clinicians.