Manhattan Research, a healthcare marketing information and services firm, recently announced seven key trends related to physicians and emerging information technologies in the year 2003.

In regards to the use of personal digital assistants, the company said its research found that handheld technology has come of age. According to Manhattan Research, approximately 35% of practicing physicians are actively using a PDA. Almost two-thirds of physicians using a PDA are actively using an Rx reference database on their PDA.

In addition to the increased adoption of these mobile devices in general, the company said improvements in the form factor and underlying technology, as well as the competitive pricing of new Windows CE devices, will drive significant growth and value in this market segment.

Other physician technology trend include the emergence of robust practice Web sites; some specialists have become very dependent on the Web; patient connectivity is still on hold; health plan portals have become viable a customer service option; and after a very tough year, electronic prescribing makes a comeback with new backers.