The impact of medical informatics on the confidence of rural physicians caring for patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infections

Objective. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether CD-based medical informatics enhances rural physicians' confidence in the management of patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infections. Methods. A total of 385 Canadian rural physicians were mailed a CD-based medical software programme that outlines all aspects of HCV care including diagnosis, counselling, treatment and follow-up. Accompanying the CD was a brief questionnaire that addressed physicians' confidence in the following areas: (i) identifying HCV patients in their practice; (ii) laboratory use and interpretation; (iii) patient counselling; (iv) selection of candidates for treatment; (v) sharing treatment delivery; and (vi) providing follow-up. Three months thereafter, the same questionnaire was repeated. Results. Of the 385 mailings, 59 (15%) physicians returned the initial questionnaire and 57 (15%) the follow-up questionnaire. Twenty-five (44%) respondents indicated they had used the CD. Baseline physician confidence was low in three of the six areas addressed. At follow-up, in addition to now being confident in all areas, CD users were significantly more confident than those who had not used the CD. Increases in physician confidence for CD users were similar to 150-300% in the six areas addressed. The value assigned the CD programme was 8/10. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that: (i) rural physicians are uncomfortable in dealing with many aspects of HCV management; (ii) CD-ROM-based medical informatics can significantly enhance rural physicians' confidence in these areas; (iii) similar to 50% of physicians will employ CD-ROM-based medical informatics in their offices; and (iv) physician level of satisfaction with such programmes is high.