RAPID RESPONSES FROM BMJ.COM

doi:10.1136/bmjusa.01040006

BMJ, doi: 10.1136/bmjusa.01040006, (Published 5 September 2002)

Letters

RAPID RESPONSES FROM BMJ.COM Two e-letters posted on bmj.com in response to the paper by Mitchell and Sullivan are reproduced (after minor editing) below. $---$ Editor

The negative effects of computers in the doctor-patient encounter

Primary care skills and computing

The negative effects of computers in the doctor-patient encounter

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

This article originally appeared in BMJ USA

EDITOR $---$ In their review, Mitchell and Sullivan found no evidence that computer use during the doctor-patient encounter resultedin negative effects on patient outcomes, and they concluded thatdoctors and patients were generally positive about use ofcomputers.

Computers in the general practice consultation can improve the quality of medical care in some cases.¹ Benefits have beenshown in disease prevention with an improvement in immunizationrates by up to 18% and other preventive services by up to 50%,²in disease management with more appropriate dosing for drugs witha narrow therapeutic range,³ and in the management of chronicphysical illness when there is a clear consensus regarding treatmentprotocols. ⁴ ⁵

However, their use is also associated with significant detrimental effects on the encounter. Consultation time is increasedby their use, and there is no appreciable benefit for patientsatisfaction.² Both practitioners' conduct . . . [Full text of this article]