AMA Report Shows More Physicians Embracing Digital Technology

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) – While the last two years have seen a drastic increase in telehealth, the growth certainly hasn’t come without challenges. From figuring out the technical logistics for patients and providers as well as security protocols, to figuring out the billing requirements and overcoming physician views, the healthcare industry has certainly had their work cut out for them when it comes to virtual care.

The good news is that according to a recent report from the American Medical Association (AMA), physicians of all ages are starting to embrace digital technology beyond just virtual visits in caring for their patients.

In 2016 and 2019, the AMA released a survey to 1,300 physicians to gage attitude and intentions on the use of digital tools in the course of caring for patients.  The AMA repeated the study this year to see how physician attitudes have changed. Physicians were asked about their experience and opinion on 7 digital tools that addressed not only virtual visits, but remote monitoring for efficiency, remote monitoring and management, point of care, clinical decision support, patient portals for access, and patient engagement.

The percentage of physicians that embraced digital tools and considered them an advantage in caring patients grew from 85 percent in 2016 to 93 percent in 2022. Those physicians aged 51 and older saw the largest improvement in opinion, with fewer Specialists aged 51 and older that saw no advantage.

In 2016, only 28 percent of physicians were utilizing digital tools for clinical decision support but that percentage has increased to 47 percent for 2022. Forty-three percent of physicians are using digital tools for patient engagement, an increase from 26 percent in 2016. In 2022, 68 percent stated their practice used technology to improve patient access compared to 53 percent in 2016. Over half at 58 percent stated they were using digital technology for managing point of care, compared to 42 percent in 2016.

While the use of virtual visits increased dramatically from 14 percent of physicians in 2016 to 80 percent in 2022, virtual visits weren’t the only tool to see a large increase. Only 12 percent of physicians reported using remote patient monitoring in 2016, however that total more than doubled to 30 percent in 2022. Tools for remote patient monitoring were the least used digital tools, however 38 percent indicated they would use them in the next year, and only 23 percent stated they would delay further.

Sixty percent of physicians polled stated that they felt the biggest improvement would be in managing chronic diseases, and 59 percent believed the technology would support preventive care. Additionally, 50 percent of physicians stated that the technology would extend physician reach by helping to manage less acute patients, and 46 percent believe that the technology will improve patient access to remote and underserved areas. Fifty-seven percent believe the technology will help reduce administrative burdens.

Artificial intelligence or AI is another new buzzword in healthcare. According to the survey, 20 percent of physicians stated that their practice has already implemented some form of AI, and 40 percent stated they would be implementing within the next year.

According to the survey, physician focus and deciding factors have changed as well. Reduction in burnout and the providing remote care became a higher priority in 2022. Other deciding factors in considering a digital technology included malpractice, and the ability to easily integrate with an EHR. Other factors such as the need for special training, leadership views, peer use remained the same. However, superiority to usual care and intuitiveness did become a higher priority.

It is interesting to note that more physicians wanted to be engaged in the decision process for implementing technology, however fewer physicians wanted to be responsible.

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