Computerization of clinical practice in Hong Kong

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Practice Management
• Information Technology in Healthcare

Background:

• The adoption of computer technology in clinical practice is crucial for modern healthcare delivery.
• Understanding the extent of computerization among physicians is essential for strategic planning and resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the level of computerization in clinical practices in Hong Kong as of 2000.
• To identify factors associated with the adoption of clinical computerization among physicians.

Main Methods:

• A population-based survey of 4850 randomly selected doctors in Hong Kong.
• A self-completed, 20-question postal questionnaire was distributed, with 897 valid responses received.

Main Results:

• Over one-third of doctors utilized computers for patient summaries, laboratory results, and referral notes.
• Patient registration (52.2%), billing (40.2%), and appointment scheduling (39.9%) were the most common computerized administrative functions.
• Physicians in large, corporate practices had significantly higher rates of clinical and administrative computerization compared to those in individual or small-group practices.

Conclusions:

• Clinical computerization in Hong Kong in 2000 was moderate, with significant disparities based on practice type.
• Factors such as physician demographics, practice characteristics, and attitudes towards technology influenced computer adoption.
• Targeted interventions are needed to promote computerization, particularly among physicians in smaller practices.