Multicentric analysis of the perceptions and knowledge of digital health amongst undergraduate medical students

Digital health (DH) is continuously evolving by use of information and communications technology to improve healthcare provision, thereby reshaping systems and clinical practices. Recent studies identified an overwhelming lack of awareness of DH within the profession. This study aimed to analyse student perceptions and knowledge of DH to assess confidence in its use to develop greater DH awareness and literacy.

Students enrolled in undergraduate medical degrees were invited to take part in an online survey assessing aspects of DH including demography, familiarity, attitudes, level of knowledge and confidence. Anonymised data was collated and subsequently analysed to review DH awareness.

A total of 143 students participated from nine British universities with 28.7% of respondents admitting low levels of familiarity of DH concepts. Students anticipated negative repercussions of DH including reduced data security (42.7%) and deterioration in doctor-patient relationship (30%); while improvements in healthcare access and health-outcomes are expected by 89.5% and 68.5%, respectively. 71.4% of participants believed they had minimal experience of exposure to DH and 76% believed they did not possess the necessary skills to utilise DH. Only 3.5% of students had some exposure to DH teaching during their course.

There is an important requirement to address the lack of knowledge and exposure of students to DH, particularly as the world targets the COVID-19 pandemic. DH is forming the basis of the 'new normal' in healthcare, however the full potential of DH cannot be achieved unless there is an increase in its teaching incorporated into medical school curricula.