Preference for laboratory test results notification among different healthcare players in Northeastern Bulgaria

Abstract

Introduction As continuously growing number of people is using online sources for health information and services, the concept of e Health is progressively developing and is a high-priority topic for the European Union. The absence of centralized internet-based e Health platform in Bulgaria results in deficiency in the information exchange among physicians and other healthcare providers. The question about the readiness and the attitude towards e Health concept among all participants in the health care system in Bulgaria still remains to be clarified and the purpose of the current study is to assess the opinion of health care providers and consumers about the electronic way of receiving laboratory test results. We also try to explore the existing preference trend in relation to the socio-demographic characteristics of the studied population. Material and methods In the current work, we investigated the needs and recommendations of 1039 patients, laboratory stuff and out-of-hospital general practitioners in the Northeastern Bulgaria (regions Varna, Dobrich and Shumen). Results The results show that laboratory results are preferred in electronic form and there is a significant need for better online communication between different participants in the healthcare system. In this context, we also summarize a model for improvement in the interaction among healthcare providers. Conclusion The actual opportunities for online communication provoke active participation of all players in the health service market and require a novel model of communication among healthcare providers.