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Patient-Driven Computers in Primary Care: Their Use and Feasibility
ARTICLE

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Health Education Volume 106, Number 5, ISSN 0965-4283

Abstract

Purpose: The 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/approach: During 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. Findings: A total of 143 patients (approximately 55 percent of all patients) began using a hand-held computer, of whom 115 (80 percent) answered all questions. Of these, 24 percent reported being smokers, 7 percent and 19 percent were at-risk of alcohol harm in the long and short term respectively and 14 percent rated their overall health as poor or very poor. Most patients rated their level of satisfaction with the hand-helds as excellent (36 percent), very good (29 percent) or good (24 percent), while 89 percent agreed to their primary care physician seeing a summary of their feedback. Originality/value: This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of using hand-held computers to conduct patient screening and feedback in primary care settings. (Contains 2 tables.)

Citation

Shakeshaft, A., Fawcett, J., Mattick, R.P., Richmond, R., Wodak, A., Harris, M.F. & Doran, C.M. (2006). Patient-Driven Computers in Primary Care: Their Use and Feasibility. Health Education, 106(5), 400-411. Retrieved August 14, 2024 from .

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