The Internet has opened up new horizons in the learning and practice of medicine. Information is always available now on more sophisticated mobile devices as smartphones become popular. However, caution must be taken by doctors not to allow smartphone distractions to undermine their quality of care. Kevin B. O'Reilly has reported for American Medical News "Doctors have to manage smartphone distractions."
Recent surveys show that more than 80% of doctors carry smartphones and about a third use iPads or other tablet computers. Some doctors are now raising concerns about the capacity of these mobile devices to cause new distractions that could hurt patients. Physicians are frequently interrupted by phone calls, text messages, and emails. It is feared by some doctors that those distractions might worsen patient care. It is of concern that a flood of electronic data can interrupt a doctor's clinical train of thought. Social messages coming in between professional messages can also disturb a physicians clinical train of thought.
Surveys have shown that more physicians are relying on mobile devices for clinical uses such as: consulting, drug testing and treatment references; educating patients; accessing patient information; and communicating with colleagues. And so many doctors keep these devices on all of the time. However, in spite of increasing concerns about mobile-tech distractions, some physicians argue that smartphones and tablet devices enable them to work more efficiently.
Still, it should be kept in mind that multi-tasking has the potential to cause the same problems during clinical work as when driving a car. Mobile-health experts are now saying that physicians should fine-tune their devices' smartphone notification settings in order to prioritize clinical matters. Common sense is encouraged for physicians using mobile devices with a search for the right balance for using these devices while always putting the patients' interests first.
Photographer: Ambro
