Information Technology systems in general practice medicine in New Zealand

Until recently, very little national and international information has existed on the level of computerisation in general practice medicine. This study was undertaken to describe the current state of information technology (IT) systems in general practice medicine in New Zealand.

A questionnaire detailing many aspects of computerisation and information technology was sent to all currently operating general practices (a total of 1188) in New Zealand, as identified from public directories.

A high response rate was achieved (80%), including (without any geographical bias) a representative proportion of rural, urban, sole-GP, and multiple GP practices. A large proportion of general practices currently have computer and IT systems that are potentially adequate to support the functions required of them. Almost all practices (99.0%) are using a Patient Management System (PMS) and 99.8% have at least one computer in their practice. Most practices (93.7%) connect to Healthlink, so have the capability of transferring data electronically.

General practices in New Zealand have a very high rate (superior to several other countries) of computerisation and a high level of IT. The main concerns of general practitioners are the ongoing costs and time involved in meeting the IT requirements expected of them.