Have you ever wondered why in the digital age most health care professionals still write letters or send faxes?
Rural Clinical School academics have been investigating the uptake of e-technology by health professionals based in Tasmania’s North-West.
The research project found that 80% of surveyed health professionals were still using fax or post to send referrals.
72% of participants were keen to transition to more modern electronic methods but were met with several barriers including workplace culture, software limitations and security concerns.
Dr Chris Hughes said he initiated the research after perceiving little use of the eReferral system by North-West GPs.
“eReferrals could transform the way healthcare professionals communicate, potentially reducing cost and waiting times, but uptake has been slow," Dr Hughes said.
“Most respondents to our survey used the online link to send in their answers, suggesting a willingness to communicate online. Even so only a small proportion indicated that they send eReferrals often.
“If the software was more user-friendly, and security concerns were placated, uptake might be improved. The thing that would most entice our respondents to use eReferrals was if more of their colleagues were using them.”
Just over 200 healthcare workers participated in the research holding professions as GPs, specialist doctors, general practice registrars, allied health practitioners and nurses.
The research was conducted by Dr Chris Hughes, Clinical Lecturer and General Practitioner and Dr Penny Allen, Senior Research Fellow in partnership with Michael Bentley from General Practice Training Tasmania.
The research project’s findings were published in the Australian Journal of General Practice.
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