The info-medicine superhighway : Doctor survey to safer prescribing with IT
An on-line survey of 700 doctors has revealed what some doctors see as the major benefits of information technology in general practice.
Eighty-four per cent of doctors surveyed listed fewer drug interactions as one of the biggest improvements for patients.
AMA Vice President, Dr Trevor Mudge, said clinical software packages could now identify drugs that should not be prescribed together.
"This technology has really taken off in the past two years and has meant a huge boost for patient care," Dr Mudge said.
"More and more doctors have also found computers have increased their efficiency in test ordering and reporting. With all the pressures and red tape confronting doctors these days, anything that gives them more time with patients is welcome.
"It is the AMA's job to continue to assist the medical profession access this technology.
"The greater use of IT will help doctors better manage their workloads and patients will be the big winners," Dr Mudge said.
Eighty per cent of respondents believe IT is important in improving patient care. Sixty per cent rely on their computers to communicate with other doctors.
Around 50 per cent said their patients frequently present them with health information obtained from the Internet. This may explain why doctors, too, are using the Internet and e-mail to keep up with international medical news and to compare notes with their medical colleagues.
19 July 2002
CONTACT: Frank Quinlan (0409) 655 460
Dr Trevor Mudge (0413) 733 701