Evaluation of computer-based information for patients

The benefits of providing information to patients and patient education are widely recognised and computers have been successfully used although less often evaluated. In Glasgow, we have been carrying out three randomised trials of computer-based patient information each with different aims. A study amongst patients with cancer has compared the provision of personal (based on the medical record) with more general information. Outcomes included patient views and use of the computers, levels of anxiety and costs. A second comparison was made between these two computer-based methods and best possible provision of pre-printed leaflets. There appears to be benefits in personalisation. Patients in the personal group were more satisfied with the information, and more likely to use the computer again and to use the printouts at home. Patients in the general group were more likely to be anxious at three months. It seems well worthwhile to try to personalise information but this will not be possible until there are widespread clinical systems. For patients with schizophrenia we have compared personalised educational sessions given by a computer with similar sessions given by a Community Psychiatric Nurse. We felt that with this group of patients would provide a major challenge to the idea of using computers for patient education. This study, nearing completion, has outcomes of patient knowledge, insight, mental state, patient views and costs. Lastly, we are comparing computer-based cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety in primary care with a booklet-based researcher-led equivalent. In this case, the more generic aim is to explore novel locations for siting computer-based patient education. Patients are referred by GPs to use computers in one of ten public libraries. Outcomes are changes in anxiety, patient satisfaction, and cost.