Patients' Perceptions of General Practitioners Using Computers during the Patient-Doctor Consultation

In this study 85 adult patients attending a Sydney general practice were asked for their views on computer-assisted consultations; 77 (91%) agreed to participate. In general, patients agreed they could still talk easily with their doctor, and felt listened to, while the doctor used the computer (87% & 75% respectively). More than half the patients felt the computer contributed to better treatment, although a quarter believed consultations were prolonged. About half the patients agreed that the doctor did not often explain the role of the computer. Given the national plans for increasing computerisation of health records (Health Connect), this research suggests that more attention should be given to involving patients in e-health developments.