Information overload: opportunities and challenges for the GP's desktop

Recent developments in health data networks, the health sector and information systems, have created an overload of information available to the General Practitioner. The implementation of viable Health Data Networks within hospitals and subsequent connection to the GP's desktop PC enables increased access to patient records, decision-support and communication with experts around the world To address the high usage of expensive health services and lengthy waiting lists health services around the world are embracing programs such as Community, Coordinated, Shared and Managed care. This focus on coordination of care and increased emphasis on evidenced-based medicine is greatly enhanced through the advent of viable health data networks. Other resources such as databases, best-practice guidelines, the web, email, telemedicine and a range of commercial programs that provide further services has created an overload of resources available to the GP. Current human-computer interface guidelines are not adequate for prescribing design solutions to deal with the information overload facing GPs. The challenge for the near future is to present the vast array of information sources to the GP in an acceptable and useable information system interface. Part of the solution may revolve around the development of standards for Electronic Health Record systems for GPs, as is being done currently in Australia; but we suspect that less mainstream interface technologies will be required to exploit the wealth of available healthcare information.