Triadic relationship between doctor, computer and patient

Much has previously been said regarding dyadic relationships between physician and patient, use of computers in the consulting room, and human-computer interaction generally. The paper reviews major empirical reports and places them within a triadic framework. A model is presented suggesting that much of the dynamic interaction along any one of the ‘three sides of the triangle’ is lost without consideration of how the third component, the opposite apex, affects the otherwise two-way relationship. As the use of micro-computers within general practice continues to increase, it would appear important to consider all three interacting components when investigating doctor-patient relationships.