Methodology | Психология взаимоотношений

A series of interviews was undertaken with GPs to determine whether the sets of drivers and benefits listed in figures 1 and 2 were applicable and complete. The set of drivers and benefits were found to be appropriate, complete and without duplication.

It should be noted that all GPs in Australia practise within a Division of General Practice, the specific division dependent on the geographic location of the practice. There are many divisions of general practice withinAustralia, each containing approximately 200 — 300 GPs, each having a head of division and each staffed by GPs and non-medical staff. The role of the division is to disseminate material to GPs, to deal with disputes etc. and to keep members in touch with the latest developments (medical, legal, financial etc.).

10 divisions were contacted and asked to participate in the study. 5 (Illawarra, Hunter, Ballarat, South East NSW and Rockhampton) agreed. Questionnaires were sent to each division for distribution to members. Each questionnaire had a reply-paid envelope back to the researchers. Consequently, detail of divisional membership was not disclosed. Respondents were asked, amongst other things, to rate the importance of drivers and benefits of ICT adoption across a 5 point Likert scale (1 very unimportant, 5 very important). Respondents were also asked their gender. 890 surveys were distributed across 5 locations in Australia (Illawarra, Hunter, Ballarat, South East NSW and Rockhampton).

Figure 2. Benefits of ICT adoption in general practices

In what ways has ICT contributed to the functioning/viability of your general practice?

Contribution	Not at all important	Un important	Neither important nor unimportant	Important	Very important
Expanding the patient/ customer base by broadening the area of coverage	□	□	□	П	П
Improvement to business efficiency (time saving/patient care)	□	□	□	□	□
Reduction of the overall workload and increased leisure time	□	□	□	□	□
Enabling more time to be spend on patient care	□	□	□	□	□
Reduction of business operating costs	□	□	□	□	□
Improvement to the way the business is operated	□	□	□	□	□
Allowing the business to expand	□	□	□	□	□
Information storage and retrieval	□	□	□	□	□
Communication with fellow GPs	□	□	□	□	a
Communication with other medical organisations	□	□	□	□	n
Disease Management	□	□	□	□	□
Streamlining of billing and accounting functions	□	□	□	□	□
Adding to the Skills of the practice	□	□	□	□	□
Communication with hospitals	□	□	□	□	□
Ordering drugs	□	□	□	□	□
Other communication with general practice business suppliers	□	□	□	□	□
Reducing the importance of distance (remoteness) in the provision of high quality medical care	□	□	П	□	□

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