Review of computer usage among RACGP members.

Objective: To quantify the extent of, and attitude towards, computerisation in Australian general practice.

Design: In late 1993 a questionnaire was mailed to 638 randomly selected members of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners asking them about their experience of computerisation. One follow-up mail out was carried out six weeks later. The results of the survey were collated and analysed by the investigators using a standard computer based software package.

Results: A total of 398 responses (62.4%) were received. 158 (39.7%) are currently using, or have used a practice computer system; 31 of these (7.8% of the total) use a computerised patient record system. Computerised practices are more frequently RACGP Training Program or university teaching practices; in a rural locality; have a larger number of full time equivalent doctors working there; a larger gross annual practice income, and a non medical practice manager. Most respondents perceived computers as "useful now" in most areas of practice.

Conclusions: The survey results suggest that computerisation in Australian general practice is less widespread than usually thought. Non computer users do not know enough about the benefits of computerisation to make an informed decision about computerising.