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Self-reported effects of computer workshops on physicians' computer use
M J Allen1, D M Kaufman, A Barrett
1Dalhousie University, 5849 University Avenue, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7 Canada.
Summary
Physician computer training workshops led to increased computer use and technology adoption. Many participants purchased new hardware or software, demonstrating the effectiveness of continuing medical education in digital literacy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Continuing Medical Education
Background:
- Physician computer proficiency is essential as technology use in medicine expands.
- Existing continuing medical education (CME) programs for computer skills lack reported outcome data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the self-reported effects of workshops designed to enhance physicians' computer skills.
Main Methods:
- A series of workshops covered basic computer skills, information retrieval, Internet use, electronic mail, and computer-aided learning.
- A questionnaire was administered to assess the impact of the workshops on participants' technology adoption and usage.
Main Results:
- A 46% response rate was achieved from 65 mailed questionnaires (n=30).
- 27% of respondents purchased new computer hardware or software post-workshop, primarily new computers.
- 57% of physicians increased their computer use, particularly for Internet-based information retrieval and electronic mail.
Conclusions:
- Continuing medical education workshops can effectively increase physicians' computer utilization and technology investment.
- These findings highlight the positive impact of targeted training on digital literacy among medical professionals.