ABSTRACT
Most of the computer systems available for use in primary care are personal computers. Portable computers are not widely used in primary care, but with increasing power and decreasing cost, these could become a more widely accepted alternative. Excellent computerized accounting systems are available to family doctors. Many of these have been custom-built for general/family practice. Appointments can be kept on computer in order to ascertain who is booked in, who has arrived and how long each patient has been waiting. Computers can be used in general/family practice to improve medication management. The systems which show the most promise are those which provide readily accessible summaries of clinical information in medical modules. These may include lists of an individual patient's past and present medical problems, medications, immunizations and allergies. Many computer systems have modem connections to allow the computer supplier to solve problems without having to visit the doctor's surgery physically.
