WHILE nearly three-quarters of Australians report using technology in some form to manage their health, more than half are concerned about the security of their personal information.
A study commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia reveals that Aussies are in a bind when it comes to healthcare digitisation.
Although the federal government has committed to provide every Australian with an electronic health record by default, only 38 per cent of those questioned said they would consider signing up to have a secure online summary of their health information, if given the option.
Despite the reluctance to sign up to online health records, the survey also found that 57 per cent of respondents wished their healthcare records could be more effectively shared across health providers - something that electronic health systems aim to deliver by better connecting national health systems.
"The results of this research suggest that greater education is needed to instill trust and understanding of how new healthcare technologies will ultimately benefit the end patient and our nation as a whole," said GSK director of healthcare environment David Herd.
While technology is valued as a means of support, many people still place their trust in humans over machines, with almost a third (29.9 per cent) worried about the use of artificial intelligence in place of a person to make decisions about their healthcare.
Other concerns about the effects of technology on healthcare included being able to find trustworthy and accurate information (34.8 per cent) and a lack of personal contact with healthcare practitioners (31.4 per cent).
