A relationship between computerisation and quality in general practice.

Abstract

AIM: To explore whether there is an association between use of computers and compliance with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Entry Standards for General Practice. METHOD: Participants in the RACGP Field Test of Standards were surveyed to determine their level of computerisation. These data were matched with the participants' compliance with selected standards. These standards were selected on the basis that compliance with them was relatively low and might be improved by appropriate use of information technology. Ordinal regression analyses were conducted of compliance with the selected standard and relevant levels of computerisation. RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between having a practice computer and providing patients with written information about the practice (p < 0.0005) and systematic preventive care (p = 0.037). DISCUSSION: There may be a relationship between quality general practice and computerisation.