Randomized controlled trial of a computer strategy to increase general practitioner preventive care.

Assessed the effectiveness of a computerized continuing medical education program for general practitioners to increase rates of cholesterol, blood pressure, and cervical screening, and to identify the 3 risk behaviors of smoking, alcohol consumption, and benzodiazepam use. 19 Australian general practitioners were randomly allocated to a control condition or an intervention condition employing a computerized feedback system displaying expert guidelines for practitioners. 80 patients (aged ≤18 yrs) completed a health risk survey. Differences in performance by group in each outcome was measured at baseline and 3-mo follow-up. Comparison of baseline and follow-up data show significant differences in accurate classification of benzodiazepam users, non-benzodiazepam users, hazardous or harmful alcohol drinkers, blood pressure screening, and cholesterol screening. It is concluded that the computerized system of performance specific feedback was effective at increasing some preventative care services in general practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)