1.
1 INTRODUCTION
In the advanced age, the reconciliation of computerized media stages has
changed different parts of our lives, including the medical services industry.
One region where the impact of digital media is particularly noteworthy is
online diagnosis which refers to the use of digital platforms and tools to assess
symptoms and provide primary medica advices. The significance and relevance
of studying the impact of digital media on online diagnosis are multifaceted.
Understanding the adequacy and precision of online diagnosis platforms is
significant for assessing their role in healthcare delivery. By examining the
benefits and limitations of these platforms, we can identify areas for
improvement and optimize the user experience. Besides, investigating the
impact of digital media on online diagnosis enables us to understand the
influence of technology on patient behavior, engagement, and empowerment.
Additionally, ethical and legal considerations arise with the use of digital
media in online diagnosis. Privacy, security, and the protection of personal
health information are critical concerns that must be addressed to ensure
patient trust and confidentiality. Investigating these ethical considerations
allows for the development of guidelines and policies that safeguard patient
privacy in the digital health space.
The integration of digital media in online diagnosis has significant
implications for healthcare accessibility, patient empowerment, early
detection, healthcare efficiency, patient education, and ethical considerations.
By conducting a comprehensive study on the impact of digital media on online
diagnosis, this research aims to contribute to the existing knowledge, inform
healthcare practices and policies, and ultimately improve healthcare outcomes
and patient experiences in the digital age.
1.2 BRIEF REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The fundamental objective of this part is to survey the theoretical and
empirical information accessible from comparative or atleast related studies.
Any deliberate exploration as its establishment expand upon concentrates on
directed before. Here this section will give an outline of the sources the
researcher has explored.
(1) Radu Grabril (2018) in his study entitled “The influence of digital media the
success of health care unit” studied the perception of patient towards the
health care and their use of digital media. He concludes that the internet has
made easier for patient choose doctor and clinic. In healthcare, information
and communication technologies make a decisive contribution towards
increasing competitiveness. Increasing efficiency, thus contributes towards
improving the help of the Population Overall.
(2)Barycki Elizabeth and Kushniruk Andre (2012) in their study entitle “
Empowering Patient through social media , benefits and challenges ” Explores
the range of social media platforms used by patients and examines the benefits
and challenges of using these tools from a patient’s perspective. The MEDLINE
database was searched using the term social media and patient. The search
was conducted in September 2012 and yielded 765 abstracts but initially 63
abstracts were selected for the research purpose. The result of this research
found that there appears to be an increase in the use of social media by
patient, however evidence related to the efficiency and effectiveness currently
limited.
(3)Shutova. & Rocheva. YS (2001) in their study entitled “Digital media and
new patients clinic Doctor Interaction” analysis the patient clinic – doctor
interaction pattern. They analysis 75 internet doctors in depth. They concluded
that digital communication as become common place in medicine now days.
Real digital interaction practices by wide margin exceed the official statistic in
terms of volumes. The research validates the transformation tendencies in
medicine as a social institution.
(4) Kanpeh & Martine Bryezkowiki (2017) in their study entitled “Digital
communication social media use in surgery” tries to express that
communication among patients, colleagues and staff in health care has
changed dramatically. Digital technology and social media sites have allowed
instantaneous to information and communication text messaging, chatting and
blogging are rapidly replacing e mail as the preferred means of communication
in health care. This review highlights how digital technology in changing the
way of surgeons communicate with colleagues and patients as well as provide
some guidance.
(5) Carson. NJ and Khang Jeave (2018) in their study entitled “Assessment of
digital media use in the adolescents psychiatric evaluation” analysis the
adolescents in the psychiatric interview in the North America in depth. They
find out that in recent time with an increasing rate the adolescents optimize
the internet on digital media to find out the solution of their various problems
related to health. They conclude that most of the adult and teenager uses
media to know about their body and prevailing changes.
1.3 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study of digital media on Online diagnosis holds immense significance
and relevance in the current healthcare landscape. The integration of digital
media platforms in online diagnosis has the potential to revolutionize the way
individuals access and engage with healthcare services. By leveraging the
power of digital media, healthcare becomes more accessible, empowering
individuals to take an active role in managing their health.
One of the primary reasons why this topic is significant is its potential to
enhance healthcare accessibility. Digital media enables individuals, regardless
of their geographical locations, to access preliminary diagnosis and medical
information conveniently from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility is
particularly beneficial for those in remote areas or with limited access to
healthcare facilities, overcoming the barriers of distance and time.
Furthermore, the topic is highly relevant as it empowers patients to become
proactive participants in their healthcare journeys. By leveraging digital media
in online diagnosis, individual gains access to reliable health information, self-
assessment tools, and resources that enable them to better understand their
symptoms and potential conditions. This empowerment of patients fosters
engagement in shared decision making with healthcare providers, promoting a
collaborative approach to healthcare.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
(1) To understand the behavioral pattern of individual on online diagnosis.
(2) To understand the medium used for the online diagnosis.
1.5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology is an approach of explaining how a researcher means to
complete their research. It is usually a guideline with different elective
strategies for leading research. In other words, research methodology is the
particular systems or methods used to recognize, select, process, and
investigate data about a Research problem. The research methodology utilized
by the researcher in this study is explained below:
1.5.1 Research Design
The project has been prepared by means of quantitative methods of research.
The researcher attempted to understand behavioral pattern individual on
online diagnosis.
The research design of the study can be further understood as descriptive.
According to Dr. Y.P. Aggarwal (2008), descriptive research is devoted to the
gathering of information about prevailing conditions or situations for the
purpose of description and interpretation.
1.5.2 Source of Data
The data generated has been collected from two sources namely primary
sources and secondary sources. For this study, the researcher has collected
primary data through a carefully curated schedule. The researcher had
personally interviewed the 50 individual and filled the schedule. On the other
hand, the secondary data has been collected from various articles, research
papers and periodicals available on the internet.
1.5.3 Size of Data
The universe or population represents the entire group of units which is the
focus of the study. Hence, in this study, the universe will consist of all the
individual concerning of Guwahati City.
1.5.4 Sample Size
For the purpose of convenience of the researcher, 50 samples were taken out
of the whole population.
1.5.5 Sampling Technique
“Random” method of sampling has been used by the researcher to select the
sample of 50 units. With the reference from the above study, the researcher
managed to visit 4 areas of Guwahati City namely Gauhati University Sweeper
colony, Gauhati University Hostels, Sat Mile, Lankeshwar.
1.5.6 Statistical Tools Used
The statistical tools used for analysis and interpretations of the data are as
below:
a) Simple percentage is used for analysis purpose.
b) Table, Pie Diagram and Bar Diagram are used for interpretation of the data.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study has been done on the “Digital Media and Online Diagnosis”
The study has been carried out in different part of Guwahati City. The study
throws light on the impact of Digital media and online diagnosis on healthcare.
It further goes on to study the inherent problems related to digital media and
online diagnosis. Basically, the research provides an insight to the current
status and challenges of digital media and online diagnosis on healthcare
sector
1.7 PERIODICITY OF THE STUDY
Though the study was a little challenging and time consuming, the researcher
could successfully complete the study within the given time period. The study
covers a time span of One month i.e. from 16 April to 16 May 2023.
1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The information has been collected very carefully. The main source of
information has been primary data and secondary data. Although extra care
has been taken to avoid any shortcoming, there have been several setbacks
which have affected the result to a certain extent. The main limitations are
explained below:
(1) The first limitation was the shortage of time. Keeping this factor in
mind, the size of the sample was limited to 50 only.
(2) Since the study is restricted to the area of Guwahati City, the findings
of the study might not give a perfect picture of impact of digital
media and online diagnosis on health care, and also the result may
not be appropriate for applying in other areas.
(3) Another constraint was the reluctance of the respondents to provide
with honest answers.
(4) The response given by the respondents may not be true.
1.9 CHAPTERIZATION
The whole study has been divided into 4 chapters as stated below-
The FIRST CHAPTER consists of a brief introduction of the study, a review of
earlier studies done on similar topics, significance of the study. This chapter
also includes the research methodology followed while conducting the
research. Moreover, scope of the study, periodicity and limitations of the study
are also part of the first chapter.
The SECOND CHAPTER highlights a brief overview of Digital Media and Online
Diagnosis.
The THIRD CHAPTER deals with analysis of data collected and interpretation
thereof.
The FORTH CHAPTER consists of findings of the study, recommendation and
conclusion of the study.
At the end, the schedule used for data collection and few photos clicked
during the field survey are annexed to this research report.