Widespread Adoption of Information Technology in Primary Care Physician Offices in Denmark: A Case Study

Describes the use of electronic medical records, standardized clinical communications, and patient identification numbers by Denmark's primary care physicians; a nonprofit organization's role in implementation and certification; and elements of success

Electronic Medical Record Adoption in New Zealand Primary Care Physician Offices

Describes EMR adoption in New Zealand's primary healthcare system, including how government investment was secured and data protection laws, unique patient identifiers, and standards and certification were established, with lessons for the United States

Adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in New Zealand and Denmark, part 5: final comparisons

This is the last in a series of five papers about the use of computing technology in general practitioner (GP) practices in Denmark and New Zealand. This paper introduces a unique comparison instrument developed for this study using the best evidence available namely data was pulled from centralised databases and was indisputable (e.g. percentage of primary care physicians who send medication prescriptions electronically to pharmacies). Where the data was simply not available, estimates were made. Since the reliability of the data on the use of computers by primary care physicians is so variable and in some case simply not available, the authors also introduce the use of a Cochrane-like confidence factor (CF) to each comparison measure. The paper draws particular attention to the fact that both countries have a highly visible central unifying body or what might be called a Health System Integrator; though Denmark s Medcom is a pseudo government agency New Zealand's HealthLink is a private company, both play critical roles in the success story of these two countries

Adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in New Zealand and Denmark, part 3: medical record environment comparisons

This is the third in a series of five papers about the use of computing technology in general practitioner (GP) practices in Denmark and New Zealand. This paper looks at the environments within which electronic medical records (EMRs) operate, including their functionality and the extent to which electronic communications are used to send and receive clinical information. It also introduces the notion of a longitudinal electronic health record (versus an EMR)

Adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in New Zealand and Denmark, part 1: healthcare system comparisons

Denmark and New Zealand are two small countries whose primary care physicians are at the forefront of the use of electronic medical records (EMRs). This is the first of a series of five papers which contrasts the health care systems in Denmark and New Zealand. Though the delivery of care at the patient level is virtually the same in New Zealand and Denmark the way in which the health care is financed; administered and managed does vary. This paper highlights the differences; particularly in terms of the approaches taken to primary care and out-of-office-hours services

Adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in New Zealand and Denmark, part 4: benefits comparisons

This is the fourth in a series of five papers about the use of computing technology in general practitioner (GP) practices in Denmark and New Zealand. This paper looks at the reasons why physicians use computers with a particular emphasis on the benefits gained from automated medication prescriptions. It includes an assessment of the growth of key applications in New Zealand as well as a comparative summary of the success factors in both countries

Adoption of information technology in primary care physician offices in New Zealand and Denmark, part 2: historical comparisons

This second paper in a series of five looks at how computing in primary care began and provides background to the driving forces for automation in Danish and New Zealand primary care physician offices. It addresses topics such as government funding support, the role of professional colleges and associations, peer influence, change management, and comparative cultures. It also highlights the power of a unifying organisation and introduces the concept of a Health Systems Integrator

Primary care computing in England and Scotland: a comparison with Denmark

This paper compares the status of primary care computing in England and Scotland with that of Denmark. The rate of utilisation by Danish GPs is among the highest in the world and the MedCom national health network handles over 90% of the country's primary sector clinical communications. A high proportion of English and Scottish GPs also use computers in their clinical practices, and like their Danish colleagues, they benefit from more accurate and streamlined medications management, particularly in terms of repeat prescriptions. The historical forces and factors which influenced the development of primary care computing are identified and discussed