Computers in the Examining Room: Evaluating the Social Impact on Practice Patterns

This paper uses social network analysis to examine the impacts on practice patterns of the introduction of CompuHx, an Interactive Health Appraisal System (IHAPS), used in the examining roomat Kaiser Permanente\u27s San Diego Department of Preventive Medicine. The system is used to record patient information, assist in diagnosis, and provide a summary of findings. Twenty-two physician assistants and nurse practitioners responded to detailed surveys after the system was implemented. Findings indicate practitioners who used the computer system interacted more frequently with the other physician assistants and nurse practitioners, with physicians, and with individuals in other departments. Overall,the study points to the value of using network analysis to investigate the impact of computer technology on individuals\u27 attitudes and behaviors