BACKGROUND: Computers are used increasingly in patient-clinician consultations. There is the potential for PC use to have an effect on the communication process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate patient opinion regarding the use of PC-based note taking during diagnostic vestibular assessments. METHOD: We gave a simple four-item questionnaire to 100 consecutive patients attending for vestibular assessment at a secondary referral level primary care trust audiology service. Written responses to two of the questionnaire items were subject to an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire was acceptable to patients, none refused to complete it. Dominant themes identified suggest that patients do perceive consistent positive benefits from the use of PC-based note taking. CONCLUSION: This pilot study's short survey instrument is usable and may provide insights into patients' perceptions of computer use in a clinical setting.
BACKGROUND: Computers are used increasingly in patient-clinician consultations. There is the potential for PC use to have an effect on the communication process. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate patient opinion regarding the use of PC-based note taking during diagnostic vestibular assessments. METHOD: We gave a simple four-item questionnaire to 100 consecutive patients attending for vestibular assessment at a secondary referral level primary care trust audiology service. Written responses to two of the questionnaire items were subject to an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: The questionnaire was acceptable to patients, none refused to complete it. Dominant themes identified suggest that patients do perceive consistent positive benefits from the use of PC-based note taking. CONCLUSION: This pilot study's short survey instrument is usable and may provide insights into patients' perceptions of computer use in a clinical setting.