Approach to the use of technologies in health systems: eHealth and mHealth

Abstract

Introduction: Given the demands of society in the twenty-first century, information and communication technologies should be incorporated into future models of the public health system. Objective: To investigate about the use of eHealth and mHealth through a quantitative study. Materials and methods: A quantitative study was carried out using a 16-item questionnaire that inquires about 9 dimensions: self-diagnostic technologies, complementation genetic test, use of smartphones, data privacy, electronic medical records, costs of medical services, annual physical examinations, concern about radiation exposure, and management of internet and technologies. Results: The exploratory sample (n=250) was made up of health professionals (55 doctors and 77 medical students) and health service users (122 patients) from Spain. One of the similarities was the promotion of the use of smartphones, but there were differences regarding the value given to diagnosis made by using technologies as opposed to that made by professionals. Conclusion: The most relevant difference in terms of expectations among health service users and health care professionals was related to the ownership of the medical history.

Keywords

• technology
• quality of health care
• health services accessibility