Perspectives On The Use Of Digital Health Technologies in Cardiology Among Specialists From An ESC Member Country: Results From A Survey

BACKGROUND
Herein, we aimed to ascertain the reasons for and perceived challenges with the use of digital health technologies (DHT) in cardiology.

METHODS
An online survey was sent to Turkish Society of Cardiology member cardiologists (n=2789) between January 10-March 3, 2022.

RESULTS
308 subjects responded (27.6% females, 62.0% aged 30-44 years). 42.5% and 44.8% worked at university and state hospitals, respectively. Smart devices were used by 136/308 (44.2%) to monitor their personal health. 117/290 (40.3%) and 193/299 (64.6%) reported using social media to provide medical information to their patients and other physicians, respectively. Self-reported recommendation frequency of wearables, cardiac implantable electronic device telemonitorization, mobile health applications and teleconsultation/televisit technologies, were lower than the proportion of respondents who found DHT beneficial for both patients and physicians. The most frequently mentioned barriers facing physicians were increased work burden and responsibilities (193/245, 78.8%), lack of financial compensation (164/245, 66.9%) and lack of relevant training (163/245, 66.5%). Low technological adaptability (200/245, 81.6%), low health literacy (197/245, 80.4%) and low affordability (195/245, 79.6%) were the most frequent patient-related barriers mentioned, while cost of technologies (170/245, 69.4%), concerns regarding data privacy and security (141/245, 57.6%), and data storage challenges (118/245, 48.2%) were the most frequent technical impediments.

CONCLUSION
Findings suggest that although the majority of physicians believe that DHT are useful to both themselves and their patients, the frequency of recommendation to patients is still low. A large-scale joint effort is required to address the issues with their application to clinical practice.