Diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the family physician's office of the 21st century

Abstract

Several new technologies are available to family physicians; however, numerous factors influence a physician's decision to adopt them. This study sought to determine interests and problems related to adopting new technology. The survey population was a group of family physicians who visited our scientific exhibit at the 1990 meeting of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). A 13-item questionnaire collected information on their use of and/or interest in technological procedures and equipment. Respondents were interested in a variety of new technological procedures. The most important criteria when considering new technology were training, costs, and office scheduling. The emphasis on outpatient care makes it increasingly important for family physicians to use modern technology in their offices and for departments of family medicine to offer training in these procedures. Our study provides a springboard for a broader discussion of the problems involved in selecting and implementing new technology in family practice.