Like most areas of modern life, general practice has been revolutionised by the computer. But does it sometimes feel as if your doctor is more interested in his or her computer screen than he is in you? Why is your GP so fascinated by this electronic intruder in the doctor-patient relationship, and what is its role in your care?
I'm a big fan of computers in general practice. I think they've brought important benefits in patient care, from making prescriptions safer to driving up standards of care. They also make life a lot easier for your doctor (most of the time).
Your comments
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Added: Tuesday, 22 April, 2008, 12:58 pm
"Overall, I think computers are a 'must-have' for GP's. It makes it easier to flag-up patient information, and makes inputting information a quicker and more efficient option. However, when computer systems crash, it brings the entire surgery and its patients care to a halt! There is definately seeming to be more red-tape and less Care in our modern society!"
katy, romford
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Added: Sunday, 20 April, 2008, 3:06 pm
"I think that the computers distract the communication between doctors and their patients and it should be avoided"
laura, ipswich
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Added: Sunday, 20 April, 2008, 12:58 pm
"one day when i went to see my doctor for results of a scan the computer system was down. the surgery was in complete and utter chaos. everyone running round like headless chickens. nothing could be done, not even give out a simple prescription."
jean, essex
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Added: Wednesday, 16 April, 2008, 4:16 pm
"I like being able to see the computer screen too. Although I have no medical education I like numbers and much prefer my GP to share the numbers on the screen. Under the paper system I had to spend time trying to read their handwriting upside down!"
Anon, Yorkshire
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Added: Wednesday, 16 April, 2008, 4:01 pm
"Since our practice has gone computerised I have noticed that the 'attentive' 'interested' GP I used to consult now barely gives me any eye contact as her focus is now on her computer"
Anon, Essex
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Added: Wednesday, 16 April, 2008, 11:15 am
"I was told I had an abnormal blood test result and needed to make an appointment. The test was for vitamin levels. As my levels were above normal the GP had 'clicked' the 'abnormal' box when in fact there were no problems and no actions needed as no harm can be done by over doing it on brassica!"
Anon, Derbyshire
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Added: Wednesday, 16 April, 2008, 12:08 am
"When I visited the doctors for a one-off query a few months ago I was a bit disconcerted when the doctor went quiet as he tapped away on his computer to check his diagnosis. It felt a bit like he was consulting a medical version of Google. Computers are great for efficiency but they can make the conversation very impersonal."
Amy, Newcastle Upon Tyne
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Added: Monday, 14 April, 2008, 2:06 pm
"I went to the Dr's for a simple repeat visit (contraceptive) and the new Dr spent 10 mins messing around with his system. I felt sorry for him as he'd obviously not had enough training. He said he was a locum on 6months trial - I dont know if he's still there or if their system finished him off!"
Anon, Leicester
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Added: Monday, 14 April, 2008, 11:15 am
"I have read elsewhere on this website that a doctor can learn a lot from the way a patient looks and their body language. I was at my GPs last week and he hardly looked at me at all - he was too busy looking at his screen. I felt he wasn't interested."
Kaz, Warwickshire
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Added: Friday, 11 April, 2008, 10:28 am
"they talk to the computer for five minutes then give you a prescription. I was once called into the surgery and asked if I had any news of an operation date, a fortnight after the operation. They don't read their notes."
Anon
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Added: Thursday, 10 April, 2008, 8:50 pm
"I had polymyalgia and was also due for a prostate op. I had an appointment for the GP. to renew a prescription, and she was so busy looking at her computer, she never noticed I had had a fall the previous day, which had nearly nocked me out, broken my specs, dislocated my jaw, and left my face with cuts and bruises. "
Oakeley, Budleigh
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Added: Tuesday, 8 April, 2008, 8:21 pm
"computer is a ueful tool for any GP to have the use of but, it should not take over the time allocated to see and listen to the patient. .a patient does need to feel that the Doctor is interested in them as a person with a health problem whoi wishes to seek his/her advice for treatment. One feels a sense of not being important and made to feel nervous, trying to explain ones condition, when the computer is the centre of attention."
Anon
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