Medical Students' Knowledge in E-Health in Developing Countries: a Survey in Sri Lanka

Abstract

It is believed that the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) can be a potential alternative to address some of the daunting problems in healthcare sector in developing countries. Knowledge, skills and acceptance of e- health by health professionals are essential attributes of a successful integration of this new tool. This study investigates the knowledge of medical students in Sri Lanka in regard to e-health. We also examined the barriers which impede them to develop knowledge and skills in e-health within their medical curriculum. A questionnaire focusing on the knowledge and attitudes of medical students towards e-health was distributed to all final year students (n=136) at the Faculty of Medicine, Sri Jayewardenepura University, Sri Lanka. 100 surveys (74%) were completed and returned. Fifty one per cent rated their knowledge of e-health applications as minimal. The majority (88%) admitted that they had no e-health education or training of any kind. Similar number of respondents (80%) thought that e-health had an important role to play in health sector, particularly in developing countries. We also found that respondents had very poor access to computers and Internet use was rare. A large number of respondents (77%) admitted that their medical curriculum did not provide them knowledge and skills in e-health.