Using Technology to Enhance Patient-Physician Interactions

The computer is an integral part of a clinical office examination room. How a physician simultaneously uses the computer and interacts with patients will either enhance or deter patient engagement in areas of health maintenance and rehabilitation. With the growing emphasis on patient-centered care and management of chronic health conditions, patient engagement plays an ever-increasing role in U.S. health care. This paper reviews and discusses the 4 broad factors that influence the traditional physician-patient examination room interaction: physician computer/technology skills and dexterity, verbal and nonverbal communication, design and spatial arrangement, and hardware considerations. If used effectively, in-room technology will both enhance patient care and engender a greater degree of patient trust in their provider.