Moving beyond implementation to sustained use of computers in general practice in Australia
by David Bomba
International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management (IJHTM), Vol. 6, No. 1, 2004

Abstract: This research reports on the results from a cross sectional study of doctor attitudes towards computerisation in a regional area (the Illawarra) of New South Wales, Australia. The survey examined General Practitioner (GP) attitudes towards computerisation and computerised medical records use in general practice. A quantitative survey was mailed to 205 GPs in the Illawarra region in 2001. The results were collated and compared to results gathered in 1999. The results show that Illawarra GPs continue to use computers and a software programme called Medical Director (MD) for a range of functions since The Illawarra Coordinated Care Trial (a government sponsored initiative) in 1999. There is a high use of MD for prescription writing and a low use for patient clinical records. Computing confidence use levels have increased since 1999. Illawarra GPs are using Medical Director (MD) in the process of care and value its use despite varying levels of perceived usefulness. GPs are associating the use of computers and MD with improved information management and work practices despite problems with system crashes, viruses and data loss. Monitoring sustained use needs to be seen as an important factor in any computer implementation strategy. This type of longitudinal follow-up work is important for understanding and managing the implementation of e-health technologies.

Online publication date: Wed, 07-Jul-2004

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