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Information technology and general practice. A survey of general practitioner attitudes towards computerisation
P G Bolton1, H E Usher, M Mira
1Balmain Hospital, Sydney.
Australian Family Physician
|February 16, 1999
Summary
Australian general practitioners (GPs) increased computer use for clinical tasks. However, persistent concerns about computerisation costs remain, necessitating strategies for improved patient and GP outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- General Practice Technology Adoption
Background:
- Computerisation in Australian general practice was assessed.
- General practitioners' (GPs) attitudes towards technology were investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the extent of computerisation among GPs in central Sydney.
- To evaluate GPs' attitudes towards computerisation, particularly prescribing systems.
Main Methods:
- Two mail surveys were conducted in 1994 and 1996 among GPs in central Sydney.
- Identical questions were used in both surveys to enable comparative analysis.
- Descriptive and comparative statistics were calculated from the collated survey data.
Main Results:
- A notable increase in computer utilisation for clinical tasks was observed.
- GPs demonstrated increasingly positive attitudes towards computerised prescribing systems.
- A consistent negative perception regarding the actual costs of computerisation persisted.
Conclusions:
- Despite increased computer adoption, methods are needed to translate this into tangible benefits.
- Improved patient outcomes and enhanced GP experiences are the desired results of further computerisation efforts.