Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Study of the uses of Information and Communication Technologies by Pain Treatment Unit Physicians

  • Systems-Level Quality Improvement
  • Published:
Journal of Medical Systems Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Adequate use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in health has been shown to save the patient and caregiver time, improve access to the health system, improve diagnosis and control of disease or treatment. All this results in cost savings, and more importantly, they help improve the quality of service and the lives of patients. The purpose of this study is to analyse the differences in the uses of this ICTs between those physicians that belong to Pain Treatment Units (PU) and other physicians that work in pain not linked to these PUs. An online survey, generated by Netquest online survey tool, was sent to both groups of professionals and the data collected was statistical analysed through a logistic regression methodology which is the Logit binomial model. Our results show that those physicians that belong to PUs use ICTs more frequently and consider it more relevant to their clinical practice.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines, Final rule. Fed. Regist. 82(11):5790–5841, 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Pinto-Bruno, A.C., Garcia-Casal, J.A., Csipke, E., Jenaro-Rio, C., and Franco-Martin, M., ICT-based applications to improve social health and social participation in older adults with dementia. A systematic literature review. Aging Ment. Health. 21(1):58–65, 2017.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Halbach, T., and Fuglerud, K.S., On assessing the costs and benefits of universal design of ICT. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 229:662–672, 2016.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Lam, M.K., Amon, K.L., Nguyen, M., Campbell, A.J., and Neville, V., The effect of e-health contents on health science students attitude toward the efficiency of health ICT in care provision. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 178:99–104, 2012.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Ruxwana, N.L., Herselman, M.E., and Conradie, D.P., ICT applications as e-health solutions in rural healthcare in the eastern Cape Province of South Africa. HIM J. 39(1):17–26, 2010.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Chattopadhyay, S., A framework for studying perceptions of rural healthcare staff and basic ICT support for e-health use: An Indian experience. Telemed. J. E Health. 16(1):80–88, 2010.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Sanyal, S., ICT, e-Health & Managing Healthcare - exploring the issues & challenges in Indian railway medical services. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 114:157–163, 2005.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Sim JA, Chang YJ, Shin A, Noh DY, Han W, Yang HK, Kim YW, Kim YT, Jeong SY, Yoon JH et al (2017) Perceived needs for the information communication technology (ICT)-based personalized health management program, and association among information provision, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and decisional conflict in cancer patients. Psychooncology.

  9. Riondino, S., Ferroni, P., Spila, A., Alessandroni, J., D'Alessandro, R., Formica, V., Della-Morte, D., Palmirotta, R., Nanni, U., Roselli, M., et al., Ensuring sample quality for biomarker discovery studies - use of ICT tools to trace Biosample life-cycle. Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 12(6):291–299, 2015.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Klironomos, I., Antona, M., and Stephanidis, C., Improving quality of life through ICT for the facilitation of daily activities and home medical monitoring. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 217:759–766, 2015.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gustafson Sr., D.H., McTavish, F., Gustafson Jr., D.H., Mahoney, J.E., Johnson, R.A., Lee, J.D., Quanbeck, A., Atwood, A.K., Isham, A., Veeramani, R., et al., The effect of an information and communication technology (ICT) on older adults' quality of life: Study protocol for a randomized control trial. Trials. 16:191, 2015.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Nanni, U., Spila, A., Riondino, S., Valente, M.G., Somma, P., Iacoboni, M., Alessandroni, J., Papa, V., Della-Morte, D., Palmirotta, R., et al., RFID as a new ICT tool to monitor specimen life cycle and quality control in a biobank. Int. J. Biol. Markers. 26(2):129–135, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Ongondo, F.O., Williams, I.D., Dietrich, J., and Carroll, C., ICT reuse in socio-economic enterprises. Waste Manag. 33(12):2600–2606, 2013.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Westwood, M., Al, M., Burgers, L., Redekop, K., Lhachimi, S., Armstrong, N., Raatz, H., Misso, K., Severens, J., and Kleijnen, J., A systematic review and economic evaluation of new-generation computed tomography scanners for imaging in coronary artery disease and congenital heart disease: Somatom definition flash, Aquilion ONE, brilliance iCT and discovery CT750 HD. Health Technol. Assess. 17(9):1–243, 2013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Robles-Bykbaev, V., Lopez-Nores, M., Pazos-Arias, J., Quisi-Peralta, D., and Garcia-Duque, J., An ecosystem of intelligent ICT tools for speech-language therapy based on a formal knowledge model. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 216:50–54, 2015.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Woreta, S.A., Kebede, Y., and Zegeye, D.T., Knowledge and utilization of information communication technology (ICT) among health science students at the University of Gondar, north western Ethiopia. BMC Med. Inform. Decis. Mak. 13:31, 2013.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Beck, T., Gollapudi, S., Brunak, S., Graf, N., Lemke, H.U., Dash, D., Buchan, I., Diaz, C., Sanz, F., and Brookes, A.J., Knowledge engineering for health: A new discipline required to bridge the "ICT gap" between research and healthcare. Hum. Mutat. 33(5):797–802, 2012.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Househ, M.S., Kushniruk, A., Carleton, B., and Cloutier-Fisher, D., A literature review on distance knowledge exchange in healthcare groups: What can we learn from the ICT literature? J. Med. Syst. 35(4):639–646, 2011.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Locatelli, P., Montefusco, V., Sini, E., Restifo, N., Facchini, R., and Torresani, M., ICT and mobile health to improve clinical process delivery. A research project for therapy management process innovation. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 192:1105, 2013.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Cummings, E., and Nixon, P., An Australian roadmap for ICT research and development for ageing? Lessons from a European Union initiative. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 178:20–25, 2012.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Segagni D, Tibollo V, Dagliati A, Zambelli A, Priori SG, Bellazzi R (2012) An ICT infrastructure to integrate clinical and molecular data in oncology research. BMC bioinformatics, 13 Suppl 4:S5.

  22. Mars, B., Heron, J., Biddle, L., Donovan, J.L., Holley, R., Piper, M., Potokar, J., Wyllie, C., and Gunnell, D., Exposure to, and searching for, information about suicide and self-harm on the internet: Prevalence and predictors in a population based cohort of young adults. J. Affect. Disord. 185:239–245, 2015.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Tan, S.S., and Goonawardene, N., Internet health information seeking and the patient-physician relationship: A systematic review. J. Med. Internet Res. 19(1):e9, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Platt JE, Jacobson PD, Kardia SL (2017) Public Trust in Health Information Sharing: A measure of system trust. Health Serv Res.

  25. Barr-Walker, J., Evidence-based information needs of public health workers: A systematized review. J. Med. Libr. Assoc. 105(1):69–79, 2017.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Robl, D., Costa Pdos, S., Buchli, F., Lima, D.J., Delabona Pda, S., Squina, F.M., Pimentel, I.C., Padilla, G., and Pradella, J.G., Enhancing of sugar cane bagasse hydrolysis by Annulohypoxylon stygium glycohydrolases. Bioresour. Technol. 177:247–254, 2015.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Trompetter, H.R., Bohlmeijer, E.T., Veehof, M.M., and Schreurs, K.M., Internet-based guided self-help intervention for chronic pain based on acceptance and commitment therapy: A randomized controlled trial. J. Behav. Med. 38(1):66–80, 2015.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. King, S., Cataldi-Roberts, E., and Wentz, E., Meeting at the crossroads: Collaboration between information technology departments and health sciences libraries. J. Med. Libr. Assoc. 105(1):27–33, 2017.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Walsh, K., Neuroscience education on the internet: The next steps. Malays. J. Med. Sci. 21(6):75, 2014.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Craemer, E.M., Bassa, B., Jacobi, C. et al. (2017) Telewissenschaft – Telescience. Nervenarzt.

  31. Meyding-Lamadé U, Craemer EM, Lamadé EK, Bassa B, Enk K, Ilsen H, Jacobi C, Jost V, Lorenz MW, Mohs C et al (2017) [Mission (im)possible : Setting up a neurological center 12,000 km away with telemedicine]. Nervenarzt.

  32. Cross, R.K., and Kane, S., Integration of telemedicine into clinical gastroenterology and hepatology practice. Clin. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 15(2):175–181, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Tchao, E.T., Diawuo, K., and Ofosu, W.K., Mobile telemedicine implementation with WiMAX technology: A case study of Ghana. J. Med. Syst. 41(1):17, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Okoroafor, I.J., Chukwuneke, F.N., Ifebunandu, N., Onyeka, T.C., Ekwueme, C.O., and Agwuna, K.K., Telemedicine and biomedical care in Africa: Prospects and challenges. Niger. J. Clin. Pract. 20(1):1–5, 2017.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. AlDossary, S., Martin-Khan, M.G., Bradford, N.K., and Smith, A.C., A systematic review of the methodologies used to evaluate telemedicine service initiatives in hospital facilities. Int. J. Med. Inform. 97:171–194, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wechsler, L.R., Demaerschalk, B.M., Schwamm, L.H., Adeoye, O.M., Audebert, H.J., Fanale, C.V., Hess, D.C., Majersik, J.J., Nystrom, K.V., Reeves, M.J., et al., Telemedicine quality and outcomes in Stroke: A scientific statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 48(1):e3–e25, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Agnisarman, S.O., Chalil Madathil, K., Smith, K., Ashok, A., Welch, B., and McElligott, J.T., Lessons learned from the usability assessment of home-based telemedicine systems. Appl. Ergon. 58:424–434, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Collins, T.A., Robertson, M.P., Sicoutris, C.P., Pisa, M.A., Holena, D.N., Reilly, P.M., and Kohl, B.A., Telemedicine coverage for post-operative ICU patients. J. Telemed. Telecare. 23(2):360–364, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Kassar, K., Roe, C., and Desimone, M., Use of telemedicine for Management of Diabetes in correctional facilities. Telemed. J. E Health. 23(1):55–59, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Kennedy, C.A., Warmington, K., Flewelling, C., Shupak, R., Papachristos, A., Jones, C., Linton, D., Beaton, D.E., Lineker, S., and Hogg-Johnson, S., A prospective comparison of telemedicine versus in-person delivery of an interprofessional education program for adults with inflammatory arthritis. J. Telemed. Telecare. 23(2):197–206, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Kim, H., Jhoo, J.H., and Jang, J.W., The effect of telemedicine on cognitive decline in patients with dementia. J. Telemed. Telecare. 23(1):149–154, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Liu, Z., Zhang, L., Shi, S., and Xia, W., Objectively assessed exercise behavior in Chinese patients with early-stage cancer: A predictor of perceived benefits, communication with doctors, medical coping modes, depression and quality of life. PLoS One. 12(1):e0169375, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  43. Janz, N.K., Li, Y., Zikmund-Fisher, B.J., Jagsi, R., Kurian, A.W., An, L.C., McLeod, M.C., Lee, K.L., Katz, S.J., and Hawley, S.T., The impact of doctor-patient communication on patients' perceptions of their risk of breast cancer recurrence. Breast Cancer Res. Treat. 161(3):525–535, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. MacLean, S., Kelly, M., Geddes, F., and Della, P., Use of simulated patients to develop communication skills in nursing education: An integrative review. Nurse Educ. Today. 48:90–98, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Farias, A.J., Ornelas, I.J., Hohl, S.D., Zeliadt, S.B., Hansen, R.N., Li, C.I., and Thompson, B., Exploring the role of physician communication about adjuvant endocrine therapy among breast cancer patients on active treatment: A qualitative analysis. Support Care Cancer. 25(1):75–83, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Raphael, D., Waterworth, S., and Gott, M., Telephone communication between practice nurses and older patients with long term conditions - a systematic review. J. Telemed. Telecare. 23(1):142–148, 2017.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Bodí M, Blanch L, Maspons R (2016) Clinical information systems: An opportunity to measure value, investigate and innovate from the real world. Med Intensiva.

  48. Degoulet, P., The virtuous circles of clinical information systems: A modern utopia. Yearb Med. Inform. 1:256–263, 2016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Hackl, W.O., and Ganslandt, T., New problems - new solutions: A never ending story. Findings from the clinical information systems perspective for 2015. Yearb Med. Inform. 1:146–151, 2016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Lyon, A.R., Lewis, C.C., Melvin, A., Boyd, M., Nicodimos, S., Liu, F.F., and Jungbluth, N., Health information technologies-academic and commercial evaluation (HIT-ACE) methodology: Description and application to clinical feedback systems. Implement. Sci. 11(1):128, 2016.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  51. Heeks R. (2006) Health information systems: Failure, success and improvisation. Int J Med Inform.

  52. Simpao AF, Tan JM, Lingappan AM, Galvez JA, Morgan SE, Krall MA (2016) A systematic review of near real-time and point-of-care clinical decision support in anesthesia information management systems. J Clin Monit Comput.

  53. Gardner, R.M., Clinical information systems - from yesterday to tomorrow. Yearb Med. Inform. Suppl 1:S62–S75, 2016.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. James, M.T., Hobson, C.E., Darmon, M., Mohan, S., Hudson, D., Goldstein, S.L., Ronco, C., Kellum, J.A., and Bagshaw, S.M., Applications for detection of acute kidney injury using electronic medical records and clinical information systems: Workgroup statements from the 15(th) ADQI consensus conference. Can J. Kidney Health Dis. 3:9, 2016.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  55. Haluza, D., and Jungwirth, D., ICT and the future of healthcare: Aspects of pervasive health monitoring. Inform. Health Soc. Care:1–11, 2016.

  56. Haluza, D., and Jungwirth, D., ICT and the future of health care: Aspects of doctor-patient communication. Int. J. Technol. Assess. Health Care. 30(3):298–305, 2014.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Haluza, D., and Jungwirth, D., ICT and the future of health care: Aspects of health promotion. Int. J. Med. Inform. 84(1):48–57, 2015.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Urosevic, V., and Mitic, M., From generic pathways to ICT-supported horizontally integrated care: The SmartCare approach and convergence with future internet assembly. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 197:71–75, 2014.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Marschollek, M., Mix, S., Wolf, K.H., Effertz, B., Haux, R., and Steinhagen-Thiessen, E., ICT-based health information services for elderly people: Past experiences, current trends, and future strategies. Med. Inform. Internet Med. 32(4):251–261, 2007.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by an aid for research by the Cátedra Extraordinaria del Dolor “Fundación Grünenthal” of the University of Salamanca.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jorge Muriel Fernandez.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Jorge Muriel Fernandez: declares no conflict of interest.

María José Sánchez Ledesma: declares no conflict of interest.

J Manuel López Millan: declares no conflict of interest.

María Begoña García Cenador: declares no conflict of interest.

Informed Consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systems-Level Quality Improvement

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Muriel Fernandez, J., Sánchez Ledesma, M.J., López Millan, M. et al. Study of the uses of Information and Communication Technologies by Pain Treatment Unit Physicians. J Med Syst 41, 78 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-017-0726-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-017-0726-3

Keywords

Navigation