The development of primary care information technology in the United kingdom.
BACKGROUND
UK primary care is highly computerized; initially led by enthusiastic general practitioners who developed their own systems. This preceded the development of a National Health Service information strategy and an ambitious National Programme for IT.


METHODS
A 4-element model is proposed to explain the development of information technology: (1) individual clinician choice; (2) integration into the clinical task--usually an office visit; (3) technological developments; and (4) organizational factors.


CONCLUSIONS
All 4 elements of this model have been tilted in favor of the utilization of information technology; lessons from the United Kingdom may help other health systems looking to implement information technology systems in primary care.
de Lusignan
Simon
S
Division of Community Health Sciences, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom. slusigna@sgul.ac.uk
Chan
Tom
T
D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D006113:United Kingdom