Analysing the doctor-patient-computer relationship: The use of video data

Abstract

This paper examines the utility of using digital video data in observational studies involving doctors' and patients' use of computers in the consultation. Previous observational studies have used either direct observations or analogue videotapes. We describe a method currently in use in a study examining how doctors, patients and computers interact in the consultation. The study is set in general practice as this is the most clinically computerised section of the Australian healthcare system. Computers are now used for clinical functions in 90% of doctors' surgeries. With this rapid rise of computerisation, concerns have been expressed as to how the computer will affect the doctor-patient r..