Big Mysteries Around Physician-Related Digital Transformation

The digital transformation of Mexico’s medical practice is an evolving journey filled with uncertainties. While technological advances promise greater efficiency and improved patient care, the actual implementation and adoption of these technologies reveal a more complex reality. Drawing insights from the 2022 study "Digital Physician in Mexico" and the 2024 "Mexican Digital Patient" study, both by Funsalud, several mysteries highlight the current state and challenges of this transformation.

One of the most intriguing aspects is the continued dominance of WhatsApp as a primary tool for medical practice. It’s not just a communication platform; it has become an essential component of the healthcare service ecosystem. WhatsApp is widely used to maintain contact with patients, offering a direct and real-time communication method that many physicians find invaluable. In fact, 7 out of 10 doctors consider it crucial for providing follow-up on disease treatments, indicating its role extends beyond appointment scheduling or casual exchanges. Furthermore, WhatsApp is the primary social platform utilized for professional purposes among physicians, supporting the exchange of information, discussion of cases, and networking. It also serves as the main channel for interactions between doctors and pharmaceutical representatives, reflecting its multidimensional utility in clinical and business settings alike. Despite the rise of more sophisticated digital tools, the continued reliance on WhatsApp raises questions: will this preference for a consumer-grade platform support or hinder the advancement toward a more sophisticated digital shift?

Are Doctors Still Interested in Offering Virtual Consultations?

With the gradual return to in-person activities post-2023, there is growing curiosity about whether virtual consultations still hold value for physicians and patients. The 2022 Funsalud study offers a mixed perspective: Approximately 45% of surveyed doctors continue to offer virtual consultations, primarily for treatment adjustments rather than initial diagnoses; however, this adoption varies widely by specialty. For example, 94% of psychiatrists report using virtual consultations, while only 28% of gynecologists do, highlighting that while virtual care remains vital in certain fields, particularly depending on the specialty and diseases treated, it may not gain universal acceptance. On the other hand, the 2024 "Mexican Digital Patient" study reveals that 80% of patients are receptive to virtual consultations, particularly for follow-ups. This disparity between patient openness and physician adoption raises a crucial question: what factors will influence the long-term success and growth of virtual consultations in Mexico?

Is Digitization Really Advancing in the Consulting Room?

The adoption of electronic tools in medical practice presents another challenge. Despite efforts to promote digital solutions, data from the end of 2022 reveals a slower-than-expected pace of progress. Only 40% of physicians reported using an electronic medical record (EMR) system with specialized software, indicating that a large portion still manages patient records manually or with basic tools. Similarly, just 2 out of 10 doctors use digital tools for electronic prescriptions, reflecting a reluctance to incorporate even fundamental digital solutions into their workflows. Of the more than 2,000 physicians surveyed, only 9% utilize an integrated approach combining virtual consultations, digital prescriptions, and EMRs. This limited adoption indicates that the digital transformation is not as widespread as anticipated. This raises a crucial question: is the slow uptake due to technological access issues, insufficient training, or a deeper resistance to change within the medical profession?

Is It Realistic to Think AI Platforms Will Change Medical Practice in Mexico?

Artificial intelligence adds another layer of complexity to the digital transformation narrative in Mexican healthcare. While AI is increasingly becoming a prominent topic, its impact remains uncertain. In the 2022 Funsalud study, AI had not yet reached mainstream status, and the findings showed that only 28% of physicians received information from pharmaceutical companies about AI platforms for diagnostic or treatment decisions, reflecting limited industry engagement. Despite this, 60% of respondents believed that those adopting AI solutions are leading the way in medical digital transformation, indicating a recognition of AI’s potential but also revealing a gap between perception and implementation. By 2024, platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and other health-specific AI tools have gained prominence. The critical question now is: will these technologies become indispensable in Mexican healthcare, or will they remain peripheral tools, unable to bridge the gap between awareness and actual use?

Will the "Digital Mexican Physician 2024" Study Unveil the Mysteries of Digital Transformation?

Fortunately, we are close to publishing this study by Funsalud and Central Media, specifically designed to provide insights into these complex questions. This comprehensive research will survey over 2,000 healthcare professionals and conduct in-depth analyses across 20 key medical specialties. Additionally, it will offer insights based on various demographic variables, including geographical region, age, years of practice, and whether physicians work in public, private, or both healthcare systems. By taking this approach, we aim to develop a detailed understanding of the digital transformation journey among physicians in Mexico. Will this study finally shed light on the state of medical digital transformation and help identify patterns to overcome the obstacles that have slowed its progress? For more information, visit www.medicodigital.mx.