Digital maturity and its determinants in General Practice: A cross-sectional study in 20 countries

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.962924
• Publication Date: 2023-01-13T06:12:21Z
• Authors: Fábia Teixeira; Edmond Li; Liliana Laranjo; Claire Collins; Greg Irving; Maria Jose Fernandez; Josip Car; Mehmet Ungan; Davorina Petek; Robert Hoffman; Azeem Majeed; Katarzyna Nessler; Heidrun Lingner; Geronimo Jimenez; Ara Darzi; Cristina Jácome; Ana Luísa Neves
• Keywords: Digital Health

Background The extent to which digital technologies are employed promote the delivery of high-quality healthcare is known as Digital Maturity. Individual and systemic maturity both necessary ensure a successful, scalable sustainable transformation in healthcare. However, primary care has been scarcely evaluated. Objectives This study assessed General Practice (GP) globally evaluated its association with participants' demographic characteristics, practice characteristics features Electronic Health Records (EHRs) use. Methods GPs across 20 countries completed an online questionnaire between June September 2020. Demographic data, EHRs use were collected. was through framework based on usage, resources abilities (divided this collective individual components), interoperability, general evaluation methods impact technologies. Each dimension rated 1 or 0. score calculated sum six dimensions ranged 0 6 (maximum maturity). Multivariable linear regression used model total score, while multivariable logistic probability meeting each score. Results One thousand hundred (61% female, 68% Europeans) participated. had median 4 (P25–P75: 3–5). Positive associations found with: male gender [ B = 0.18 (95% CI 0.01; 0.36)], for longer periods 0.45 0.35; 0.54)] higher frequencies access 0.33 0.17; 0.48)]. Practicing rural setting negatively associated −0.25 (95%CI −0.43; −0.08)]. Usage (90%) most acknowledged interoperability (47%) best (28%) least. Shorter durations all (aOR from 0.09 0.77). Conclusion Our demonstrated notable factors that exposed discrepancies settings. It provides guidance policymakers develop more efficacious interventions hasten Practice.