Does attitude matter in computer use in Australian general practice? A zero-inflated Poisson regression analysis

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Practice Management
• General Practice Technology Adoption

Background:

• Computer adoption in Australian general practice is variable.
• Understanding factors influencing effective computer use is crucial for healthcare.
• Previous research highlights potential barriers and facilitators to technology integration in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors facilitating or hindering effective computer use among Australian general practitioners (GPs).
• To analyze the relationship between specific GP characteristics and computer utilization for clinical functions.
• To inform strategies for improving technology adoption in primary care.

Main Methods:

• National telephone survey of 480 Australian GPs.
• Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression modelling to analyze clinical function use.
• Statistical analysis of factors associated with effective computer use.

Main Results:

• 17% of GPs did not use computers for clinical functions; 18% used them for all functions.
• Computer anxiety negatively correlated with effective use; perceived usefulness positively correlated.
• Female GPs and those in partnership/group practices had higher odds of effective computer use.

Conclusions:

• Perceived usefulness of computers and reduced computer anxiety are key to effective adoption.
• Practice அமைப்பு (e.g., group vs. solo) influences computer use.
• Targeted interventions are needed to convince GPs of computer technology's value and impact.