Dauphinee J, Bylsma W; AcademyHealth. Meeting (2005 : Boston, Mass.).

Abstr AcademyHealth Meet. 2005; 22: abstract no. 4420.

American College of Physicians, Research, Planning and Evaluation, 190 N. Independence Mall W., Philadelphia, PA 19106 Tel. (215) 351-2400 Fax (215)351-2869

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe characteristics of physician members in terms of the knowledge and reported use of member benefits. Comparisons between respondents based on age and subspeciality were calculated to determine if these factors influenced familiarity and use of computer-aided technology by the physicians. STUDY DESIGN: In 2004, a self-administered, 4 page, mail survey was sent to a stratefied random sample of American College of Physicians, ACP, members. Just over 1,000 valid responses were received, achieving a 52% response rate. The final weighted sample is comparable to the USA, non-student, 65 and younger member population in terms of age, sex, race, specialty, IMG status, USA regional distribution, professional activity and work setting. In general, the theoretical precision of percent estimates is approximately +/- 3%.The field was open between June 4 and October 29, 2004. A personalized prenotification letter was followed by a series of four surveys with personalized cover letters, sent to those who had not yet responded to the survey. A reminder postcard was sent after the third survey.Of the 2,000 members initially selected into the survey sample, 47 were dropped from ACP membership because of dues delinquency during the field period, making them ineligible (as non members) to be in the survey sample. Their removal resulted in a revised beginning sample size of 1,953. Of these, 973 (51%) returned a survey during the survey period. Estimates of percents, means, and standard errors were computed using SPSS V12.0 Complex Samples module, which takes into account the stratified sample design and the sample weights.Group differences were determined by examining the 95% confidence intervals for the means or proportions being compared. Groups are reported as differing when the confidence intervals did not overlap. POPULATION STUDIED: A stratified random sample of USA, non-student, current ACP members age 65 and younger. The survey sample was selected from 68,549 members who met the following criteria as of May 17, 2004:USA address, good address status, Member class of Master, Fellow, Member, or Associate, age 65 or younger, and had not participated in any of six other random sample surveys conducted by ACP during the past year. Differences between respondents and the sampling frame for IMG status and region of the country were approximately one percent or less. Members over 35, general internists, men, and white members responded in higher proportions than they are represented in the sampling frame. The final sample is weighted to adjust for this disproportionate response across age groups, race, specialty and sex. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Over two-thirds of respondents said they use a computer a few times a week or more for patient clinical information management. About half use computers a few times a week or more for administrative purposes and for clinical decision support. Just over 40% access journal articles on the Internet a few times a week or more, but only a little more than 20% use computers for study/CME this frequently. Close to one-third do not use a computer at all for administrative purposes or for study/CME.Among those who do not use a computer at all for study/CME, the most common reason indicated was a preference for traditional formats, cited by about 60% of these respondents. About one-quarter said the reason they never use a computer for study/CME is because it is too inconvenient. When asked to rate their overall preference for electronic versus non-electronic formats for CME, about 40% indicated a preference for electronic and 30% for non-electronic. Just over one-quarter rated them the same. Residents/fellows and younger physicians rated electronic CME more favorably than did those over 40.The most common format used for electronic CME is Internet via desktop or laptop computer. Just over half reported that they use one or more electronic clinical decision support tools at least once a week. A larger proportion of residents/fellows and physicians under 40 than those over 40 reported using electronic clinical decision support at least once a week. The most common format for electronic clinical decision support is Web-based, used by about 75%. Palm OS PDA was the next most common, used by 40%. Just under half of respondents reported that an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system is available in their primary practice or work setting. About 40% indicated that they personally use an EMR system most working days. While electronic medical claims are available to about 50% of respondents, only 17% reported personal use most working days.Close to 30% reported that a Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system and that electronic prescription ordering are available in their practice; about 20% indicated that they personally use these. Voice-activated dictation is available in only about 17% of practices and personally used by fewer than 10% of respondents. Email with patients remains relatively uncommon. While close to 20% reported that Email for administrative issues, routine clinical issues, and clinical advice/diagnosis/treatment is available, only about 6% indicated that they personally use Email for these functions most working days. Just fewer than 10% reported that a secure Web site messaging system for clinical Email with patients is available in their primary practice or work setting; only about 2% indicated that they personally use such a system on most working days. Just over 40% reported that they personally use a mobile device most working days. A greater proportion of residents/fellows than other physicians reported personal use of EMR systems, CPOE, electronic prescribing and voice-activated dictation. CONCLUSIONS: Summary points:1 - participants use electronic products to access information to improve their care of patients. Younger members tend to do this more.2- The majority prefer non-electronic formats for such activities as CME.ADD other statements IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY, DELIVERY OR PRACTICE: Electronic products are important but do not yet replace more traditional forms of information/education.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Attitude to Computers
• Biomedical Research
• Computers
• Data Collection
• Electronic Mail
• Electronics
• Humans
• Internet
• Male
• Medical Records Systems, Computerized
• Microcomputers
• Physicians
• Postal Service
• Research
• United States
• utilization
• hsrmtgs

UI: 103623883

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