Self-reported effects of computer workshops on physicians' computer use

Abstract

Background: The need for physicians to be proficient in the use of computers is undeniable. As computers have become easier to use and more widespread, their use in medicine is expanding. Several organizations have produced continuing medical education programs to teach physicians about the use of computers in medicine but little has been reported on the effects of such programs.

Method: We present the self-reported effects of a series of workshops that taught physicians about basic computer skills: information retrieval, the Internet, CD-ROMs, electronic mail, and computer-aided learning.

Results: A questionnaire mailed to 65 workshop participants yielded a response rate of 46% (n = 30). Of the 30 respondents, 27% (n = 8) had bought new hardware or software because of attending the workshops, with the most common purchase being a new computer. Fifty-seven percent (n = 17) had increased their use of computers, with the most common applications being use of the Internet for information retrieval and electronic mail.