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Computer assisted screening: effect on the patient and his consultation.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|June 8, 1985
Summary
Computer-assisted preventive screening in general practice enhances health education and screening prompts without increasing consultation time. Patient-reported stress was not observed, indicating a positive impact on consultations.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Health Informatics
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- General practice consultations are key for preventive care.
- Integrating technology can enhance screening and health education.
- Patient and clinician experience with new technology needs evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of computer-assisted preventive screening in general practice.
- To evaluate patient stress levels and consultation dynamics.
- To measure the effectiveness of computer prompts for screening and education.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring computer-assisted preventive screening during general practice consultations.
- Assessing patient stress and consultation duration.
- Quantifying the frequency of prompted preventive procedures and health education topics.
Main Results:
- Computer use did not increase consultation duration.
- Patients did not find the technology stressful.
- Computer prompts led to a sixfold increase in mentioned preventive procedures.
- Active information display was crucial, not just terminal presence.
- The computer terminal was utilized in 65% of available consultations.
Conclusions:
- Computer-assisted screening is a feasible and effective method for enhancing preventive care in general practice.
- The technology positively impacts consultation dynamics and patient engagement.
- Sustained use can establish an effective screening program for attending patients.