Doctors' experience with handheld computers in clinical practice: qualitative study

OBJECTIVE: To examine doctors' perspectives about their experiences with handheld computers in clinical practice. DESIGN: Qualitative study of eight focus groups consisting of doctors with diverse training and practice patterns. SETTING: Six practice settings across the United States and two additional focus group sessions held at a national meeting of general internists. PARTICIPANTS: 54 doctors who did or did not use handheld computers. RESULTS: Doctors who used handheld computers in clinical practice seemed generally satisfied with them and reported diverse patterns of use. Users perceived that the devices helped them increase productivity and improve patient care. Barriers to use concerned the device itself and personal and perceptual constraints, with perceptual factors such as comfort with technology, preference for paper, and the impression that the devices are not easy to use somewhat difficult to overcome. Participants suggested that organisations can help promote handheld computers by providing advice on purchase, usage, training, and user support. Participants expressed concern about reliability and security of the device but were particularly concerned about dependency on the device and over-reliance as a substitute for clinical thinking. CONCLUSIONS: Doctors expect handheld computers to become more useful, and most seem interested in leveraging (getting the most value from) their use. Key opportunities with handheld computers included their use as a stepping stone to build doctors' comfort with other information technology and ehealth initiatives and providing point of care support that helps improve patient care.