Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Rural Areas Enough for Continuing Education?
Keywords:
Telemedicine, Rural Health, Health Sciences, Technology and Innovation ManagementAbstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health professionals. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which questionnaires were applied to health professionals of Family Health Strategy of four municipalities of Ceará linked to a private university by rural internship. Results: A sample of 72 nurses, dentists and doctors answered the form. Most professionals use different technological resources for personal and professional activities. The mobile phone is the most common form of ICT used in professional practice (61 %). The recreational use of the Internet (96 %) is higher than as part of daily clinical practice (37 %), either email (90 % versus 38 % ). Only a few (17 %) have Internet access at work and the majority (60 %) have to travel at least 30 minutes to have Internet access. Those who have Internet access at work , 91 % use it for self-learning and teaching activities. Conclusion: Our data support the idea that only the access to technological resources is not enough. Mobile devices seem to offer advantage of accessibility for this group.
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