Do primary care physicians prefer dictated or computer-generated discharge summaries?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the preference of primary care physicians for computer-generated vs dictated discharge summaries from a neonatal intensive care unit.


METHODS
Survey mailed to primary care physicians.


METHODS
Regional referral area of a level III neonatal intensive care unit.


METHODS
Pediatricians and family medicine physicians caring for infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit.


RESULTS
Of 58 questionnaires sent, 45 (78%) were returned. Overall, 33 physicians (73%) either strongly or mildly preferred the computer-generated discharge summary; eight (18%) had no preference; and four (9%) preferred the dictated discharge summary (P < .001). The category of strongest preference was relevance of information for continued patient care. Preference for type of discharge summary was not significantly influenced by time in practice, type of practice, preference to read or scan summaries, or frequency of computer use.


CONCLUSIONS
Primary care physicians prefer computed-generated discharge summaries to dictated discharge summaries.
Brazy
J E
JE
Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Langkamp
D L
DL
Brazy
N D
ND
De Luna
R F
RF
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009725:Nurseries, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010372:Pediatrics; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014922:Wisconsin; D015443:Word Processing