The use of information and communication technology in Japanese rural clinics.
J Rural Med
; 16(4): 298-300, 2021 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34707743
ABSTRACT
High-speed information and communication technology (ICT) networks stretch all over Japan. However, their utility in facilitating rural healthcare remains uncharacterized. A nationwide questionnaire survey was sent by mail to 1,018 rural clinics constructed in a public manner in municipalities throughout Japan. ICT use was classified by type, including a doctor-to-doctor manner. Only 19% of the 303 clinics surveyed (with a response rate of 30%) used ICT. Specifically, 50% used it in a doctor-to-doctor manner, while 35% used it to obtain electronic medical records. Differences in proficiency levels among ICT users were cited by 21% of the respondents as a major problem associated with ICT use. In Japan, the prevalence of ICT use for rural healthcare appeared low. We suggest a policy reform to facilitate ICT use in rural healthcare.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
Language:
En
Year:
2021
Type:
Article