Integrating personal computers into family practice: a comparison of practicing physicians and residents

A survey was used to assess levels of experience with personal computers and interest in learning personal computer applications among Alabama family practice physicians and residents in 1994. The study compared responses of 272 physicians and 77 residents as well as responses of physicians and residents in a sample of respondents thirty-eight years old or younger, including 77 physicians and 73 residents. Almost 25% of physicians reported never having used a computer, compared to 7.9% of residents. Respondents had learned computer skills through various combinations of methods, with over half of each group claiming to be self-taught through reading and hands-on experience. More than 86% of both groups expressed interest in learning more; interest increased in the population thirty-eight years or younger. Respondents, especially physicians, reported using professional applications less often than personal applications. Overall, there was a high level of interest in learning various practice-related applications; however, a significantly larger proportion of residents reported interest in each type of application than did physicians.