THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER-BASED PATIENT RECORDS IN THE NETHERLANDS

Computer-based patient records, although an area of active research, a re not in widespread use. In June 1992, 38% of Dutch general practitio ners had introduced computer-based patient records. Of these, 70% had replaced the paper patient record with a computer-based record to retr ieve and record clinical data during consultations. Possible reasons f or the use of computer-based patient records include the nature of Dut ch general practice and the early and active role of professional orga nizations in recognizing the potential of computer-stored patient reco rds. Professional organizations issued guidelines for information syst ems in general practice, evaluated available systems, and provided pos tgraduate training that prepares physicians to use the systems. In add ition, professional organizations successfully urged the government to reimburse general practitioners part of the expenses related to the i ntroduction of computer-based patient records. Our experience indicate s that physicians are willing and able to integrate information techno logy in their practices and that professional organizations can play a n active role in the introduction of information technology.