A study was recently led by Doctor James Churchill to observe the use of mobile technology by orthopedic surgeons. The study, recently published in the Journal of Mobile Technologies in Medicine and summarized for an article completed by iMedical Apps, showed some promising hints at what the future could hold for orthopedics. The study observed orthopedic surgeons residing in Australia; Churchill and his team sent surveys to orthopedic surgeons across the nation, all of varying levels of training and practice. The survey was sent via email and is susceptible to selection biases, according to the article.
Ninety-two orthopedic surgeons took the time to respond to the survey. Of those who responded, most were between the ages of twenty-eight and forty years old; this indicates an inherent bias as well, as those of a younger age tend to be more inclined towards using mobile technology. The data provided by their responses indicates that, generally speaking, those serving in the orthopedic industry tend to use mobile technology most often to communicate with their colleagues. The second most common use of this technology is to review and communicate with patients and colleagues on the results of imaging studies from within mobile apps. Beyond this existing use of technologies, eighty six percent of those who responded that they hope to find further uses for mobile technologies in the future of their practice. This is the direct result of a strong sense of increased productivity with the use of mobile apps and technology.
No such similar studies have been conducted on orthopedic surgeons who reside and practice in the United States. However, the article believes that the same conclusions can be drawn on those in orthopedics in the U.S. The study could incline app developers based in the United States to develop even more orthopedics-based technologies, particularly those that facilitate communication between physicians and incorporate imaging viewing features. However, to truly see the implications for the United States and other countries throughout the world, future studies would be necessary.
