Introduction: The integration of rapidly evolving digital tools and technologies in healthcare has revolutionised patient care by streamlining processes, improving efficiency and enhancing decision-making. However, their adoption in healthcare largely depends on the personal beliefs and experiences of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs). Aim: To explore the perceptions and beliefs of HCPs regarding the use of Digital Healthcare Tools (DHTs) in the Indian context. Materials and Methods: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted from June to August 2024 in various healthcare set-ups in Delhi-NCR, India. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with HCPs from different backgrounds. Participants were selected based on their proficiency in English and Hindi and their interest in digital tools and technologies. The responses were systematically analysed using a descriptive-interpretive thematic approach, mapped to the frameworks of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Work System Model (WSM). Results: Of the 25 study participants, 64% (N=16) were female, with a mean±SD age of 35.9±7.5 years and an average professional experience of 10.5±3.4 years. The majority were engaged in direct patient care (doctors and physiotherapists, 36% each; total 72%) and used digital tools for less than 4 hours per day (80%). Digital tools were most frequently used for email and communication (100%), patient engagement and feedback (92%), and financial management (84%). They were less commonly used for teleconferencing (48%), education (40%), radiology and laboratory services (36%), and roster management (12%). Thematic analysis revealed six broad themes: impact and benefits, data security and privacy concerns, technical issues, training requirements, financial concerns, and future expectations, each with 3 to 7 subthemes. While all participants supported the transition to digital tools and digitalisation in Indian healthcare, they also expressed reservations about data breaches, privacy and security, technical skills, infrastructure and training needs, and data sharing. Conclusion: Digital tools offer significant benefits for enhancing the quality of healthcare services. Despite technical and security challenges, the future of healthcare lies in the advancement of digital technologies. Continuous investment in technology and training is essential to harness the full potential of digital tools.
Malik et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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