Why British GPs use computers and hospital doctors do not

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Practice Management
• Health Policy

Background:

• General medical practitioners (GPs) in the UK exhibit high computer adoption rates, contrasting sharply with hospital doctors.
• British medical computing has evolved over three decades, presenting both successes and failures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the reasons behind the divergent adoption of computer technology by GPs and hospital doctors in the UK.
• To identify key factors influencing the integration of computing in different healthcare settings over a 30-year period.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of twelve distinct factors contributing to the adoption of computers in British general practice and hospital settings.
• Historical review of policy, professional leadership, regulatory frameworks, and financial incentives impacting medical computing.

Main Results:

• Political backing for general practice and high-level professional leadership were crucial drivers for GP computer adoption.
• The development of a suitable regulatory framework and financial incentives significantly encouraged GPs to use computers.
• Hospital computing progress has been hindered primarily by a lack of incentives for hospital doctors to adopt computer systems.

Conclusions:

• Technical aspects were less influential than political and professional factors in driving GP computer adoption.
• The absence of clear incentives (positive or negative) for hospital doctors remains a significant barrier to computer use in hospitals.
• Policy and professional engagement are critical for successful technology integration in healthcare.