Shipboard medical information systems: familiarity and receptivity.

Analyses were performed on the perceived automation needs and current medical department computerization status aboard ships of the U.S. Pacific Fleet to determine if present automation status had a bearing on receptivity to further automation. Current medical department automation status consisted of microcomputers and/or the Shipboard Nontactical ADP Program (SNAP). Measures of receptivity to department automation included perceived need for automation of reports and composite scores of perceived need for 12 automated medical capabilities. Those ships with the highest present levels of automation were the most receptive to medical department computerization. Lack of familiarity with benefits to be attained through automation was proposed as responsible for observed decrements in receptivity among medical departments.