Author:
Shakeshaft Anthony,Fawcett Julia,Mattick Richard P.,Richmond Robyn,Wodak Alex,Harris Mark F.,Doran Christopher M.
Abstract
PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore the feasibility of using patient‐driven, hand‐held computers in primary care settings, in order to address the apparent failure to implement prevention initiatives into the routine delivery of health care services.Design/methodology/approachDuring an eight‐day period, patients of an English primary care practice who were at least 16 years of age were asked to complete a health‐related survey using a hand‐held computer. They received tailored, on‐screen feedback.FindingsA total of 143 patients (approximately 55 per cent of all patients) began using a hand‐held computer, of whom 115 (80 per cent) answered all questions. Of these, 24 per cent reported being smokers, 7 per cent and 19 per cent were at‐risk of alcohol harm in the long and short term respectively and 14 per cent rated their overall health as poor or very poor. Most patients rated their level of satisfaction with the hand‐helds as excellent (36 per cent), very good (29 per cent) or good (24 per cent), while 89 per cent agreed to their primary care physician seeing a summary of their feedback.Originality/valueThis is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of using hand‐held computers to conduct patient screening and feedback in primary care settings.
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health,Education
Reference29 articles.
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (2000), General Practice in Australia: 2000, General Practice Branch, Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, Canberra.
2. Bernhardt, J.M., Strecher, V.J., Bishop, K.R., Potts, P., Madison, E.M. and Throp, J. (2001), “Handheld computer‐assisted self‐interviews: user comfort level and preferences”, American Journal of Health Behavior, Vol. 25, pp. 557‐63.
3. Berwick, D.M. (2001), “Not again! Preventing errors lies in redesign – not exhortation”, British Medical Journal, Vol. 322, pp. 247‐8.
4. Bien, T.H., Miller, W.R. and Tonigan, J.S. (1993), “Brief interventions for alcohol problems: a review”, Addiction, Vol. 88, pp. 315‐35.
5. Bondy, S. (1996), “Overview of studies on drinking patterns and consequences”, Addiction, Vol. 91, pp. 1663‐74.
Cited by
6 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献