Feasibility of computerized psychological testing with psychiatric outpatients

The feasibility of computerized psychological testing was investigated in a sample of 452 consecutive psychiatric outpatients. Forty-six percent of the solicited patients agreed to participate in the computerized assessment. Tested patients were significantly younger and better educated than those who refused. In general, patients reacted favorably to the computerized assessment. Education level, previous experience with computers, and attitude toward computers were related to successful patient-computer interaction. It is concluded that computerized assessment is not feasible for all psychiatric outpatients and that a pre- (computer) assessment interview may be helpful in order to familiarize older and less educated patients with the nature and functions of computerized psychological assessment.