According to a recent survey of U.S. physicians, 61 percent intend to own an iPhone by the end of 2011. This is up from 39 percent at the beginning of the year and compares with the iPhone’s 24.7 percent adoption among general U.S. smartphone users.

Aptilon Corporation, a leader in online access to and interaction with HCPs on behalf of pharmaceutical sales and marketing programs, used its ReachNet Physician Access Channel to recruit HCP participation in a survey on mobile technology and convenience options for HCPs. ReachNet provides access to over 450,000 HCPs through multiple channels, including the Internet, email and through mobile and tablet devices. Between February 7 and February 16, 2011, 341 HCPs from throughout the U.S. participated in the survey.

The research found that by the end of 2011, 84 percent of U.S. physicians will be using a smartphone; corresponding with Manhattan Research’s forecast of 82 percent smartphone adoption during this same time period. Segmenting smartphone users by major platform, the Aptilon survey data revealed that 61 percent of healthcare professionals (HCPs) will be using an iPhone, 16 percent a regular cell phone, 9 percent Google's Android platform and 9 percent RIM's BlackBerry platform.

"HCPs have signaled 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.”