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Internet-Based Dementia Resources: Physician Attitudes and Practices
James E Galvin1, Thomas M Meuser, Linda Boise
1Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurobiology, Alzheimer Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
Summary
Physicians frequently use online resources for clinical care and continuing education, but awareness of dementia-specific tools is low. Development of targeted online dementia resources is needed and would likely be well-received.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Medical Informatics
- Digital Health
Background:
- The internet offers significant potential for enhancing clinical practice, yet physician utilization and perspectives on internet use for dementia care remain underexplored.
- Understanding physician needs is crucial for developing effective online dementia education resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physicians' current internet usage patterns for clinical practice.
- To evaluate physicians' attitudes towards internet-based resources in dementia care.
- To identify specific needs for online dementia-related information among physicians.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 373 physicians.
- Data collected included frequency of internet resource use, participation in online continuing medical education, and attitudes towards online information quality.
- Physicians' awareness and interest in dementia-specific online resources were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Two-thirds of physicians reported using internet resources at least three times weekly in their clinical practice.
- 61% of respondents participated in online continuing medical education.
- While most physicians (75%) found internet resources helpful, many expressed reservations about the quality of available information, particularly regarding dementia-specific content.
- Physicians showed limited awareness of dementia-specific resources but expressed strong interest in information on screening, treatment, community resources, and patient education.
Conclusions:
- Physicians are receptive to utilizing online resources for clinical care and education.
- There is a clear demand for high-quality, dementia-specific online information and educational tools.
- National Institute on Aging-funded Alzheimer's Disease Centers are well-positioned to develop and disseminate such resources to meet physician needs.
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