Computers in the new consultation: Within the first minute

Abstract

Background. Computers are now commonplace in the general practice consultation in many countries and literature is beginning to appear that describes the effects of this presence on the doctor-patient relationship. Concepts such as patient centredness emphasize the importance of this relationship to patient outcomes, yet the presence of the computer has introduced another partner to that relationship. Objective. To describe the patient-doctor-computer relationship during the opening period of the consultation. Methods. Twenty GPs provided 141 consultations for direct observation, using digital video. Consultations were analysed according to Goffman's dramaturgical methodology. Results. Openi..