Apr 29, 2011 13:09 GMT  ·  By

Using its ReachNet Physician Access Channel to recruit participation in a survey on mobile technology and convenience options for healthcare professionals, Aptilon Corporation has found that 61% of U.S. physicians intend to own an iPhone by the end of 2011. A similar survey carried out at the beginning of the year revealed that only 39% were planning an iPhone purchase.

Aptilon provides healthcare professionals with access to multiple channels, including multiple different smartphone and tablet devices.

Aptilon’s ReachNet Physician Access Channel provides access to over 450,000 HCPs through multiple channels, including the web, email and through various portable devices.

341 HCPs from throughout the U.S. participated in the survey carried out between February 7 and February 16, 2011.

The latest results are now compared with the iPhone’s 24.7% adoption among general U.S. smartphone users, with Aptilon noting that, by the end of 2011, 84% of U.S. physicians will be using a smartphone.

Corresponding with Manhattan Research’s forecast of 82% smartphone adoption during this same time period, the Aptilon survey segmented smartphone users by major platform and revealed that 61% of healthcare professionals will be using an iPhone.

16% will be employing regular cell phone, 9% will pick up a Droid and another 9% a BlackBerry, the survey data showed.

"HCPs have signalled a clear preference for their smartphones," remarks Mark Benthin, Aptilon COO, "Professionals are taking advantage of the latest advancements to connect with information, tools and live resources when, where and how it suits them.”

Earlier this month, Aptilon issued a similar report on physicians’ affinity towards iDevices.

Focusing on mobile device usage between June 1, 2010 and February 28, 2011 based on the reading habits of more than 550,000 healthcare providers, Aptilon found that almost three in 10 healthcare professionals now access the daily medical information contained in their briefings on devices like the iPhone, and iPad.