MEDTECH LITERACY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ASSESSING INFRASTRUCTURE, CLINICAL USE, AWARENESS, AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS
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Keywords
MedTech Literacy, Medical Technology, Undergraduate Medical Students, Digital Health, Health Technology Education
Abstract
Digital transformation has reshaped clinical practice and medical learning. However, the extent of MedTech preparedness among medical students remains uncertain.
Objectives: To assess MedTech literacy, usage patterns, awareness of emerging technologies, and perceived barriers among medical students.
Methods: A validated structured questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students. A composite MedTech Literacy Score (0–40) was calculated. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, chi‑square tests, and ANOVA.
Results: Among 312 respondents, smartphone ownership was 100%, laptops 78.8%, and reliable internet 68.9%. Only 41.3% reported frequent use of clinical decision-support apps. Awareness of AI in diagnostics was moderate (mean 3.2 ± 1.0/5), while only 18.6% were familiar with the Internet of Medical Things. Overall literacy was high in 34.9%, moderate in 47.8%, and low in 17.3%. Higher literacy correlated with senior year (p = 0.003) and prior digital-health
training (p < 0.001). Major barriers included lack of training (61.2%) and subscription costs (42.0%).
Conclusion: Students show strong access to technology but gaps in structured clinical application and conceptual digital‑health readiness. Integrating digital‑health modules and faculty training may improve preparedness.
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Dr. Jhilli Basu
Assistant professor, MD Pharmacology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College & Hospital,
MM University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. [email protected]
ORCID 0009-0003-1833-1254
Dr. Omkar Sonavane
Postgraduate Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences, Gadag,
Karnataka RGUHS, Karnataka, [email protected] ORCID: 0009-0003-4131-0590
Dr Smitha S
Senior Resident, Final year, KLE ACADEMY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH,
JNMC, BELAGAVI [email protected] ORCID: 0009-0002-8444-9990
Dr. Nikita Kulgod
Paediatric Specialty Trainee - ST1 (MRCPCH pursuing), Pediatric Department, University
Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, West Midlands Deanery, United Kingdom
[email protected] ORCID: 0009-0008-9790-903X
Dr. Sahana Manoharan
Department of Medicine, Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
[email protected] ORCID: 0000 0002 7268 6326
Dr. Akash Gadgade
Department of Pharmacology, Srinivas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center,
Mangalore, India, [email protected] ORCID: 0009-0002-9267-2519
Sreeya Lingareddy
MBBS, Medical Student, KLE ACADEMY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH,
JNMC, BELAGAVI [email protected] ORCID: 0009-0006-1388-7618
