Related Experiment Videos
Computers in medicine: patients' attitudes.
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Patients generally hold positive views toward medical computers, with prior computer experience, younger age, and male gender correlating with more favorable attitudes. However, over half fear computers may diminish the doctor's personal touch.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Health Services Research
- Patient Experience
Background:
- The integration of computer technology into healthcare settings is rapidly increasing.
- Understanding patient perceptions is crucial for successful technology adoption in medicine.
- Previous research on patient attitudes towards medical computers is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient attitudes towards diagnostic and general medical computers.
- To identify factors influencing these attitudes, including prior computer experience and demographics.
- To explore patient concerns regarding the impact of computers on the doctor-patient relationship.
Main Methods:
- Two patient surveys were conducted using a 26-item questionnaire.
- Survey 1: 229 patients at a hospital gastrointestinal clinic (some with diagnostic computer experience).
- Survey 2: 416 patients at a general practice without computer use.
Main Results:
- Patients with experience using diagnostic or personal computers reported more favorable attitudes.
- Younger patients and males exhibited more positive attitudes towards computers in medicine.
- Over 50% of patients in both groups believed computers could reduce the doctor's personal touch.
Conclusions:
- Prior computer experience, younger age, and male gender are associated with positive patient attitudes towards medical computers.
- A significant patient concern is the potential loss of the personal doctor-patient connection.
- Healthcare providers should address patient concerns about technology's impact on the human element of care.