Do GPs use electronic mental health resources? - a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
The Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOMHC) initiative encourages general practitioners to use electronic mental health resources (EMHRs) during consultation with patients requiring psychological assistance. However, there is little data on GPs' acceptance and use of EMHRs.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews were conducted with 27 GPs to determine their attitude toward EMHRs, and their use during consultation with patients.


RESULTS
Few GPs reported frequently using EMHRs in consultation. Identified barriers to use included lack of familiarity with information technology, and insufficient knowledge of available resources. Identified advantages of electronic resources included high patient acceptance, time efficiency, and improved quality of information.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners recognise several advantages of utilising electronic resources for managing patients with mental illness. However, GPs are not sufficiently familiar with electronic resources to use them effectively. This could be overcome by education.
Austin
David
D
Department of General Practice,Monash University, Victoria. david.austin@med.monash.edu.au
Pier
Ciaran
C
Mitchell
Joanna
J
Schattner
Peter
P
Wade
Victoria
V
Pierce
David
D
Klein
Britt
B