Digital revolution in healthcare: Are stroke patients ready?

Abstract

Background: The digital revolution is creating opportunities and challenges in the field of medicine and the Digital Hospital could be a benefit for patients, if they are able to use the Internet. Aim: Identify the barriers that limit Internet use among stroke patients treated in a public hospital in Santiago. Material and Methods: Sociodemographic, clinical and functional variables that could influence the use of the Internet were collected in 107 patients with stroke. Results: Seventy five percent of patients had access to the Internet, but only 29% knew how to use it before their hospitalization. Seventy five percent were older adults, 74% had a low level of education, 78% had an income below the minimum Chilean salary and 56% were discharged with a severe disability (modified Rankin Scale 4 or 5). There was a significant relationship between Internet use and the level of education, income and age. Conclusions: Income levels, age, schooling and stroke related disability limit Internet use in this population.