Attitude towards Utilization of e-Resources of Medical Images among Health Care Professionals

Abstract

Aim: Medicine is deeply depending on medical images. Medical professionals used medical images particularly digital medical images for education, research and clinical decisions. The aim of this study is to investigate the utilization of medical image e-resources among the medical professionals of Lahore. Methods: The study is based on qualitative research design and in-depth semi-structured interviews of twenty medical professionals (Professor, Associate, Assistant professor, and Consultants) were conducted. The interviewees were purposely selected from various basic health and clinical health science departments of Shalamar Medical & Dental College and Shalamar Hospital, Lahore. Data were collected by using interviews schedule. Validity of interview guide was ensured by expert review of interview schedule by field experts. Results: A large number of participants were used both formats of resources (print and electronic). Hundred percept of medical professionals were used Google image search for seeks of digital image and this is favorite source. Most of the clinical medical professionals were used up-to-date application, they searched quickly and easily for wards round, clinical decisions, early recovery of the patient, training and research purpose in contrast most of the basic health professionals used the college library, print collections, personal collections and Google images for their teaching, research and education. Similar the large number of the clinical sides they were used details images for their clinical decisions, patient recovery, teaching and research on opposite basic medical professionals were used the general images and a small group were used detailed and specialized images for teaching the students. Conclusion: The research is unique in this regard as there is a dearth of literature on the research area particularly in Pakistani context. Keywords: Medical faculty, health professionals, image search, Pakistan,