Why Physicians Should Share PDA/Smartphone Findings With Their Patients: A Brief Report

Abstract

Many physicians use PDAs/smartphones in the presence of their patients. But how do patients perceive this behavior? This study tested the hypothesis that participants with increased knowledge about medical applications of PDAs/smartphones have more positive perceptions of physicians using them. The authors assigned 250 patients and/or family members in medical or pharmacy waiting rooms at 2 universities to either the control group or the treatment group. The treatment group viewed a brief presentation about how and why physicians use PDAs/smartphones, whereas the control group received no new information. All participants completed a survey about their knowledge (7 items) and perceptions (13 items) of physician use of PDAs/smartphones. The treatment group showed more favorable perceptions (p < .05) on 5 out of 13 survey items. In addition, in the control group, those who showed “high knowledge” had more favorable perceptions (p < .05) on 8 out of 13 survey items compared with control group participants with “low/moderate knowledge” levels. The authors concluded that even a small amount of information increases measurable perceptions. This study suggests that perhaps physicians should take time to share their PDA/smartphone findings with their patients to improve patients' perceptions of their use.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the support of the Southern Group on Educational Affairs medical education research grant, “PDA Use in Medical Education: A Multi-site Study of Medical Student, Resident, and Patient Perceptions”; and the support and cooperation of Kathleen V. Previll, M.D., F.A.A.P., and her team at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. The authors also thank the standardized patients at both institutions, who served as approachable and diligent interviewers.

Notes

^* p < .05. ^** p < .01.

Means are based on a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

^* p < .05. ^** p < .01. ^*** p < .001.

Means are based on a 7-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

^* p < .05. ^** p < .01.