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Exploring patient reactions to pen-tablet computers: a report from CaReNet
Deborah S Main1, Javan Quintela, Rodrigo Araya-Guerra
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colo 80045-0508, USA. debbi.main@uchsc.edu
Annals of Family Medicine
|October 28, 2004
Summary
Patients readily adopted pen-tablet computers for data collection in primary care settings. While generally favorable, technology glitches, particularly with voice recognition, presented minor challenges.
Area of Science:
- Health Informatics
- Primary Care Research
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) are crucial for primary care research.
- Efficient and patient-friendly data collection methods are essential for PBRN success.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient acceptance and usability of pen-tablet computers for data collection.
- To identify potential barriers to technology adoption in a clinical research setting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of patient exit interviews and field notes from a study comparing pen-tablet and paper-pencil surveys.
- Data collected within the Colorado Research Network (CaReNet) for the Primary Care Network Survey (PRINS).
Main Results:
- 168 patients completed pen-tablet surveys and exit interviews.
- Overwhelmingly positive patient reception to using pen-tablet devices.
- Technology-related issues, especially voice recognition software, were the primary reported barriers.
Conclusions:
- Patients are capable and willing to utilize pen-tablet technology in busy primary care environments.
- Pen-tablets offer a promising avenue for enhancing patient engagement in practice-based research.
- This technology facilitates efficient, patient-directed data collection, both at single points in time and longitudinally.