Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Primary Care Physicians

Abstract

Objective: to determine the use of information and communication technologies (ict) in Primary Care Physicians of the Family Medicine Unit (umf) no. 33 in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Methods: observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study carried out from August to December 2011. It included 160 physicians with care functions in both morning and afternoon shifts who signed an informed consent, 20 of them who did not fully answer the survey were excluded. The measurements were based on how many of them had a computer at home and in their office and the frequency of use, for example: from one to nine hours, from 10 to 14 hours, and more than 15 hours per week; in addition to: ease of use, usefulness perceived in the workplace and employment barriers. Results: 97% had a computer at home; however, a smaller percentage did not have one in the office. The perception towards ict was favorable since their productivity increased, make their work easier and they were useful for the practice. The barriers were: lack of knowledge, cost, availability and access to the internet. Conclusions: doctors use the ict and had a favorable perception towards them. Frequency of use is still lower than that observed in developed countries.