Effect of Computers in the Examination Room
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From a large systematic review of all articles published between 1980 and 1997, the following conclusions were reached.
- Computer use during consultations lengthened the consultation.
- Reminder systems for preventive tasks and disease management improved process rates, although some returned to preintervention levels when reminders were stopped.
- Use of computers for issuing prescriptions increased prescribing of generic drugs, and use of computers for test ordering led to cost savings and fewer unnecessary tests.
- There were no negative effects on those patient outcomes evaluated.
- Doctors and patients were generally positive about use of computers, but issues of concern included their impact on privacy, the doctor-patient relationship, cost, time, and training needs.
References
Mitchell E, Sullivan F. A descriptive feast but an evaluative famine: systematic review of published articles on primary care computing during 1980-97. BMJ 2001 Feb 3;322(7281):279-82