Susan Hart-Hester1, Joyce Olutade, Chris Rodgers Arthur. 1. University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA. shart-hester@familymed.umsmed.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical informatics require physicians to synthesize information available from a broad range of sources and identify "best" treatment strategies based upon individual patient's needs. METHODS: An assessment of computer technology utilization and the self-perceived competency of the family medicine preceptors who supervise residents during rotations was completed. A ten item survey was developed which assessed the preceptors' comfort level and use of computer technology within their office practices. Surveys were mailed to 127 family medicine preceptors. RESULTS: Sixty-six respondents completed the survey for a response rate of 52%. The majority of respondents indicated ownership of a desktop computer (88%). Forty-nine respondents (77%) indicated general comfort using the computer. Seventeen respondents (27%) used the computers for patient education and nine (14%) utilized the computers in student/resident teaching. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians are not using computers for patient education nor student/resident training. Community preceptors need further training in medical informatics and advanced computer competency.
BACKGROUND: Medical informatics require physicians to synthesize information available from a broad range of sources and identify "best" treatment strategies based upon individual patient's needs. METHODS: An assessment of computer technology utilization and the self-perceived competency of the family medicine preceptors who supervise residents during rotations was completed. A ten item survey was developed which assessed the preceptors' comfort level and use of computer technology within their office practices. Surveys were mailed to 127 family medicine preceptors. RESULTS: Sixty-six respondents completed the survey for a response rate of 52%. The majority of respondents indicated ownership of a desktop computer (88%). Forty-nine respondents (77%) indicated general comfort using the computer. Seventeen respondents (27%) used the computers for patient education and nine (14%) utilized the computers in student/resident teaching. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians are not using computers for patient education nor student/resident training. Community preceptors need further training in medical informatics and advanced computer competency.
Authors: Deborah S Main; Javan Quintela; Rodrigo Araya-Guerra; Sherry Holcomb; Wilson D Pace Journal: Ann Fam Med Date: 2004 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 5.166