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BACKGROUND: Advances in information and communication technologies (ICTs) represent a growing platform for the expansion of healthcare related services, but there is little information on how generational differences might account for distinct patterns of use and interest for ICTs. Our study aims to achieve a better understanding on how generational cohorts might influence the use and preferences for ICTs among patients with obstructive lung diseases in Latin America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey-based study, involving 968 patients with obstructive lung diseases (OLD) in Latin America. Patients rated their frequency of use and preferences of ICTs through a modified version of the Michigan Questionnaire. Chi-square test for association and adjusted regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of all, 63.6% of participants had Internet access. Younger generations, in particular Generation Z and Millennials, had the highest rate of Internet access and smartphone ownership, as well as of overall frequency of ICT use. Web-based Internet was found to be the main source to seek information about the disease (36.9%) across all generational cohorts. Generation Z and Millennials presented the highest odds to be interested in using Twitter (OR 31.79 and 8.86) for receiving health-related information, and email (OR 4.87 and 4.86) as the preferred way to ask physicians information related to their disease through ICTs. CONCLUSION: Generational cohorts influence the use and preferences for ICTs among patients with obstructive lung diseases. Younger generational cohorts were associated with higher access to the Internet and smartphone ownership, as well as higher interest for using ICTs to receive and ask for health-related information.
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OBJECTIVE: In recent years, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has increased in various sectors, among which the healthcare service is no exception. However, studies have mostly focused on the use of ICTs among patients with chronic diseases, with few reports on the advantages and barriers of these technologies among physicians, particularly in Latin America. We designed this study to fill in the gap, as an objective assessment of the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers of ICTs among physicians remains crucial for a successful implementation of these technologies into the mainstream medical practice. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey-based study in 640 Ecuadorian physicians. The survey used consisted of 13 items and evaluated the frequency of use, perceptions, and barriers of ICTs among physicians. Chi-square tests for goodness of fit and independence were performed, whilst Phi coefficient was interpreted to assess the strength of associations. Fisher exact test was performed when required. RESULTS: Over 90% of physicians reported the use of ICTs to message other colleagues and patients (p=0.000). While 89.5% of physicians used social media to interact with other colleagues, only 58.1% used them to interact with patients (p=0.000). Most participants reported the use of ICTs to search for academic information (p=0.000). Moreover, more than 80.0% agree that ICTs may be used to promote health and medical services, search new job opportunities, get involved in research projects and promote teamwork with colleagues. However, 83.6% of physicians expressed concerns about privacy and patient confidentiality, while 53.8% stated that they lacked the time to use ICTs. CONCLUSION: High usage of ICTs was found among Ecuadorian physicians. Younger physicians, with less postgraduate years, and non-specialists were more likely to have a positive perception toward ICTs. Privacy and patient confidentiality, followed by time management, were the most reported barriers in our study.
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BACKGROUND Foreign body aspiration (FBA) is an unusual medical condition among adults, with most of the cases associated with identifiable risk factors such as significant neurological impairment, drug or alcohol intoxication, and poor dentition. In some cases, however, FBA can present in an asymptomatic way, with estimates that 80% of lodged bodies are not visible on plain chest x-ray, leading to delayed diagnosis and requiring additional imaging techniques and procedures. We report an unusual case of long-standing FBA manifested as rhonchus and a thoracic valve-like sensation in an otherwise healthy man. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old man was referred to our office complaining of abnormal respiratory sounds and an unusual valve-like sensation in the chest. According to the patient, both symptoms began approximately 18 months ago, when he was treated for recurrent respiratory infections, but without resolution of such symptoms. After careful initial assessment, a computed tomography scan of the chest was performed, which showed a high-density structure inside the left main bronchus, raising the potential diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. The patient successfully underwent flexible bronchoscopy, and throughout follow-up he remains asymptomatic with no apparent complications. CONCLUSIONS Foreign body aspiration remains a rare medical condition among adults. We present an unusual case of long-standing foreign body aspiration manifested as rhonchus and a valve-like sensation in the chest. Detailed clinical examination and proper diagnostic tools should be carefully selected to support a timely diagnosis and prevent late complications of this particular disease.