Patient's perceptions of an anesthesia preoperative computerized patient interview

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Patient Experience
• Health Information Technology

Background:

• A preoperative computerized interview was implemented to improve the completeness of medical history collection.
• Previous studies established the interview's effectiveness and analyzed demographic influences (age, gender, education).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient perceptions and attitudes towards the preoperative computerized interview system.
• To compare patient feelings before and after utilizing the computerized interview.

Main Methods:

• Patients completed a 16-question paper-and-pencil questionnaire assessing their feelings about the computer interview.
• Questionnaires were administered both before and after the computerized interview.
• The Stuart-Maxwell test was used for statistical comparison of pre- and post-interview responses.

Main Results:

• Initial patient responses indicated a positive attitude towards computer usage in healthcare.
• Patient attitudes became even more favorable after completing the computerized interview.
• Negative feedback was minimal and primarily reflected a preference for physician interaction rather than negativity towards the computer.

Conclusions:

• Patients generally view computerized medical interviews favorably.
• The positive perception of the interview is enhanced after patients have used the system.
• Successful implementation hinges on maintaining direct physician-patient contact alongside the technology.