title: Computers in community-based drug and alcohol clinical settings: are they acceptable to respondents?
abstract: The use of computer technology is not new in the delivery of health services. Previous studies have assessed the reliability and validity of computerised surveys, relative to pen and paper versions or interviews or the acceptability of computers in a range of treatment settings. Generally, these studies have reported that the reliability, validity and acceptability of computer surveys is at least comparable to more traditional survey methods. This study provides evidence for the appropriateness of using computers in community-based drug and alcohol clinical settings, reporting a high level of computer acceptability among clients. The advantages of utilising computers in clinical settings, for researchers and clinicians, are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Hunter Centre for Health Advancement, Wallsend, NSW, Australia. anthonys@wallsend.newcastle.edu.au
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Shakeshaft
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bowman
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Sanson-Fisher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003197:Computer Literacy; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology