TY - JOUR

T1 - Computer-based simulation model for evaluation of variations in practice patterns of general practitioners

T2 - a feasibility study

AU - Kragstrup, J

AU - Ovesen, L

PY - 1993/3

Y1 - 1993/3

N2 - Our study aimed at developing a computer-based simulation model for the consultation process in general practice. The model was developed in the computer language COM-CATS and makes use of an IBM-compatible personal computer with an automated diasprojector attached. A feasibility study comprised 122 general practitioners (108 male and 14 female), participating in the 6th Nordic Congress of General Practice (Aarhus, Denmark, 1989). All participants were given a short introduction to the patient and his symptoms, but all further information was optimal and selected by the doctor. There was a large variation in practice patterns of the general practitioners. Their actions were, however, performed selectively, i.e. a few tests were requested by most doctors and none of the doctors performed large numbers of tests. The great advantage of the computer-model in research into clinical decision-making is that it allows for a standardization of the clinical situation, gives the doctor an opportunity to select between optional information, and permits an automatic gathering of huge amounts of information about the decision-making process.

AB - Our study aimed at developing a computer-based simulation model for the consultation process in general practice. The model was developed in the computer language COM-CATS and makes use of an IBM-compatible personal computer with an automated diasprojector attached. A feasibility study comprised 122 general practitioners (108 male and 14 female), participating in the 6th Nordic Congress of General Practice (Aarhus, Denmark, 1989). All participants were given a short introduction to the patient and his symptoms, but all further information was optimal and selected by the doctor. There was a large variation in practice patterns of the general practitioners. Their actions were, however, performed selectively, i.e. a few tests were requested by most doctors and none of the doctors performed large numbers of tests. The great advantage of the computer-model in research into clinical decision-making is that it allows for a standardization of the clinical situation, gives the doctor an opportunity to select between optional information, and permits an automatic gathering of huge amounts of information about the decision-making process.

KW - Computer Simulation

KW - Denmark

KW - Evaluation Studies as Topic

KW - Family Practice/statistics & numerical data

KW - Feasibility Studies

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Practice Patterns, Physicians'

KW - Program Evaluation

KW - Referral and Consultation

U2 - 10.3109/02813439308994898

DO - 10.3109/02813439308994898

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 8484076

VL - 11

SP - 26

EP - 30

JO - Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

JF - Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care

SN - 0281-3432

IS - 1

ER -