Comparison of information technology in general practice in 10 countries.

Abstract

A study commissioned by Canada Health Infoway provides a comparative analysis of automation in general practice in 10 countries. The most common clinical application is the automation of medication prescriptions--even if it is not a mandatory requirement as it is in Norway. It is the clinical application that provides one of the biggest benefits to general practitioners as it addresses legibility concerns, can be a significant time saver (particularly for repeat prescriptions) and offers the potential to make use of decision-support capabilities. The transmission of laboratory results is the most common electronic clinical communication application.