Desktop Computers Still More Popular Than Smartphones With Doctors

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

Although half of physicians use smartphones to communicate, the desktop computer remains the king of the technology world.

Last summer, Health IT Outcomes reported that, despite great strides in mobile technology, most doctors still used computers to access EHRs. In fact, doctors reported spending more time on their computers than before due to increased workload from the EHRs.

Nearly a year later, a Microsoft report found not much has changed – desktop computers are still most popular among physicians. MobiHealth News reports the study revealed 50 percent of doctors use smartphones to communicate – mostly with their colleagues – but 56 percent use desktops.

Results showed a variety of communication technologies are still being widely used by providers:

● 49 percent used laptop computers

● 23 percent used tablets, according to the survey

● 56 percent still used a desktop computer

● 55 percent still use a fax machine

● 27 percent still use pagers

● 39 percent still use paper

When it comes to desktop computers in general, 46 percent of those surveyed used it to communicate with colleagues or specialists. In addition, 40 percent used it to schedule surgeries, 39 percent used it to communicate with pharmacists, and 35 percent used the desktop to contact patients.

While desktops dominated, mobile health was considered an important asset as well. Fifty-eight percent of doctors said mobile devices provided easier access to patient data from anywhere. Half said it made it easier to record information, and 41 percent reported greater productivity.

Mobile was also important because doctors indicated the need to record patient information in a variety of places. Fifty-seven percent said they record it in the room with patients, another 24 percent record it outside the patient’s room, 7 percent record it in a break room or dining room, and 7 percent said they record it in the car.