[Automatic data processing in primary health care]

Norwegian general practitioners are installing computers in their offices at an increasing rate. More than half of them now run their practice using electronic journals and electronic exchange of information with hospitals, pharmacies etc. There is wide interest among colleagues in the development of new software approaches and packages for running the office. At present, this development is marked by creativity and competitiveness. In fact, Norway has become a market leader within GP-software exporting as far as to Australia. In this article, the seven packages currently available are described by experienced users, and compared from a technical point of view.