Medical students, attitudes and behaviors toward application of information technology in clinical teaching

Abstract

Introduction: To study attitudes and behaviors related to the application of information technology in clinical teaching. Learners, readiness for such application was also evaluated to be used as a guideline to modify learning and teaching processes.

Method: This was a report of a cross-sectional study in all medical students in their clinical years in the academic year of 2012 during April 1, 2012 – January 31, 2013 at the Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus), using a questionnaire as a tool. The questionnaire comprised a five-opinion-level scale and one open-end question. Obtained data were analyzed by descriptive comparisons of means between groups, using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on Excel 2010. The data with unequal variance and normal distribution were analyzed using regression analysis while those with non-normal distribution analyzed using quantile regression analysis. The data were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results: One hundred and eighty-three out of 200 medics (91.5%) responded to the questionnaire. The most used channel to connect to the internet was smart phones through wireless local area networks (Wi-Fi). The medical students were most confident with internet browsers and very confident with word-processing and presentation programs. The most used medical medium file format was portable document format (PDF). The medical students highly and most highly agreed with the application of information technology in learning and teaching activities except for patient report submission. The medical students had some concerns in disclosing their mobile numbers. Access to learning materials through the internet was what the medics most desired to modify the information technology-dependent learning and teaching processes.

Discussion and Conclusion: Medical students are ready with good attitudes toward the application of information technology in the learning and teaching.

Key words: Information technology, Clinical-year medical students, Learning and teaching activities