Medical application usage traits by students in Greece

K. Kagkelaris, P. Plotas, N. Amasiadi, A. Gerakaris, V. Giorgalla, P. Efthymiou, I. Efstathiou, I. Ziakas, A. Katsifara, C. Kitsos, S. Kolios, A. Konstantopoulou, E. Kyprioti, S. Mastronikolis, M.-M. Papadopoulou, N. Razos, I. Schinas, K. Skourou, G. Panayiotakopoulos, C.D. Georgakopoulos, E. Jelastopulu

Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece. pplotas@upatras.gr

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• Medical Education

OBJECTIVE: Medical applications (“apps”) can offer innovative educational capabilities, facilitating the acquisition of learning objectives and enhancing decision making. The present study aims at demonstrating the usage characteristics and relevant perceptions among students in seven medical schools in Greece.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. Popularity, usage patterns and medical student perceptions regarding medical apps were studied.

RESULTS: A total of 1,458 undergraduate medical students participated, 99.2% owned a smartphone, 72.8% were aware of medical apps’ existence, although only 53.9% used them. Apps awareness was higher in higher-ranked universities. Overall, 46% used 1-3 apps, 7.9% more than four apps. 40.3% stated apps’ usage at least 1-3 times a month, followed by 16.0% using them 1-3 times per week. Only 2.5% reported daily usage. Students who used more apps tend to use them more frequently. 77.3% used at least half of the downloaded apps. Awareness of medical apps, number of apps in use and frequency of usage tend to increase in each succeeding year of study. The most popular apps and the main reasons of usage are presented in this study. Current and future perceptions have been investigated. No disparities have been observed between genders.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall medical apps usage was relatively low, despite the high percentage of smartphone ownership. Quantitative traits are enhanced across the progression of medical studies. Utilization frequency is higher in those using more apps. Distinct utilization patterns were identified between preclinical and clinical students, possibly depicting particular needs, portraying apps as a special adjunctive educational tool.

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