Implementation of a province-wide computerized network in Quebec: the FAMUS Project

General practitioners have busy schedules and are accustomed to working autonomously. But they will take an interest in research issues that could increase their efficiency or improve patient care. The use of medical informatics tools to facilitate collaborative research networks requires that participants accept the tools. This article describes the implementation of a province-wide computing network and discusses the opportunities afforded by the creation of a large central database documenting the process of care.