PHYSICIANS REASONS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH COMPUTERIZED PREVENTIVECARE GUIDELINES

The objective of this study was to assess reasons for physicians' nonc ompliance with computer-generated preventive care reminders. In an aca demic general internal medicine practice, a survey of physicians' reas ons for noncompliance found that 55% of reminders were not complied wi th. Reasons included ''not applicable'' in 22.6% (test done elsewhere, patient too ill, no uterus), ''next visit'' in 22.5% (physician too b usy, patient too ill), and ''patient refuses'' in 9.9% (test not neces sary or too costly, patient too busy or fears result), We conclude tha t although noncompliance with reminders is sometimes appropriate, maki ng time for prevention and patient education may augment preventive ca re.