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Doctors' experience with handheld computers in clinical practice: qualitative study
Ann Scheck McAlearney1, Sharon B Schweikhart, Mitchell A Medow
1Division of Health Services Management and Policy, Ohio State University, School of Public Health, 1583 Perry Street, Atwell 246, Columbus, OH 43210-1234, USA. mcalearney.1@osu.edu
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 15, 2004
Summary
Doctors using handheld computers in clinical practice reported satisfaction and perceived benefits in productivity and patient care. Overcoming technology barriers and concerns about over-reliance are key for wider adoption.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Clinical Practice Research
Background:
- Handheld computers (HHCs) are increasingly available for clinical use.
- Understanding physician experiences is crucial for effective technology integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore doctors' perspectives on using HHCs in their daily practice.
- To identify facilitators and barriers to HHC adoption and utilization.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving eight focus groups with 54 physicians.
- Diverse medical specialties and practice settings across the United States were included.
Main Results:
- Physicians using HHCs reported satisfaction, increased productivity, and improved patient care.
- Barriers included technology comfort, preference for paper, and perceived difficulty of use.
- Concerns were raised regarding reliability, security, and potential over-reliance, substituting clinical thinking.
Conclusions:
- HHCs are seen as valuable tools for point-of-care support and improving patient care.
- HHCs can serve as an entry point for broader adoption of health information technology.
- Organizational support in purchasing, training, and user support is recommended to promote HHC use.