About 40% of patients want their primary care doctors to have access to handheld ultrasound devices for quick use when needed during appointments, according to a consumer survey commissioned by GE Healthcare.
However, another survey commissioned by the company revealed general practitioners didn't feel strongly about integrating new technologies into their practices, proving that the two groups aren't seeing eye-to-eye when it comes to new innovations.
One survey included 500 general practitioners from New York, Florida, California, Illinois, and Texas who completed a six-question survey over the phone. The consumer study included 1,000 adults in the U.S. who answered questions online.
On a positive note, about 37% of doctors currently were using the tools or were interested in using them.
Those who used them said the devices made a difference at their practices. About 60% of handheld ultrasound users felt it positively impacted their practices, and 85% of doctors who use the tool feel it will impact the healthcare industry.
Technology use appealed to most patients. About 50% of consumers think their doctors should make use of the latest medical technology, such as handheld ultrasound, if it is affordable, according to the consumer survey.
