title: Use of information technology in general practice.
abstract: The internet and NHS Net are used increasingly in UK general practice. A questionnaire survey conducted in southern England examined these applications. 77 (55%) of 141 practices responded. Of these, 71 were connected to one or other service and 27 offered a practice website. Only a small minority used a website for direct patient booking or access to pathology results. Moreover, among those with a practice website, none paid the necessary attention to data security. The survey revealed some fundamental misunderstandings that may partly account for the slow uptake of these technologies in British general practice.
authors.affiliation: The John Hampden Practice, 97 High Street, Prestwood HP16 9EU, UK. jj.smith@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Jason J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mallard-Smith
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Beattie
authors.forename: David K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Beattie
mesh_terms: D016494:Computer Security; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000592:standards; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008490:Medical Informatics; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom