Transforming information use in preventive medicine: learning to balance technology with the art of caring

CompuHx* is an Interactive Health Appraisal System (IHAPS) used in the examining room to record patient information, assist in diagnosis, and provide a legible summary of findings. This paper describes Phase I of a longitudinal study in which 22 examiners (five system users and 17 non-users) responded to detailed surveys and interviews about the system. Findings indicated that both users and non-users had mixed feelings about the system's ease of use and impact on their jobs, but agreed that it would have value for their practice. Underlying their acceptance of the system was a common concern for maintaining a caring relationship with patients and not allowing computer technology to depersonalize the examining room. Examiners also expressed concerns about the implementation process.