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Study shows computers improve patient satisfaction

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, June 21, 2005

The introduction of computers results in improved communication about medical issues and patient understanding about their condition, according to a recent study by researchers with Kaiser Permanente.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, of 313 patients and their eight physicians compared patient satisfaction prior to and after the installation of computers in examination room.

"Patients were more satisfied with their doctors after computers were installed in exam rooms," says lead author John Hsu, MD, of Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in Oakland, CA, according to a statement issued by Kaiser Permanente.

"The patients felt their doctor was more familiar with their medical history. Patients also felt more involved in decisions about their care and had a better understanding of diagnoses and treatments," said Hsu.

After the introduction of computers:

• 63% of patients reported excellent overall satisfaction, from 55%

• 61% reported excellent satisfaction with discussions about their treatments, from 47%

• 57% reported excellent understanding of their treatments, from 46%

• 59% reported their doctor's being very familiar with their lives, from 48%

• 50% reported their doctor's being very familiar with their medical history, from 42%

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