Annals of family medicine
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyData collection outcomes comparing paper forms with PDA forms in an office-based patient survey.
We compared the completeness of data collection using paper forms and using electronic forms loaded on handheld computers in an office-based patient interview survey conducted within the American Academy of Family Physicians National Research Network. ⋯ Although handheld computers produced more complete data than the paper method for the returned forms, they were not superior because of the large amount of missing data due to technical difficulties with the hand-held computers or loss or theft. Other hardware solutions, such as tablet computers or cell phones linked via a wireless network directly to a Web site, may be better electronic solutions for the future.
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Annals of family medicine · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialBeyond fighting fires and chasing tails? Chronic illness care plans in Ontario, Canada.
Recent work has conceptualized new models for the primary care management of patients with chronic illness. This study investigated the experience of family physicians and patients with a chronic illness management initiative that involved the joint formulation of comprehensive individual patient care plans. ⋯ Although the experiences of the enthusiastic family physicians were encouraging, we found important individual-level barriers to chronic illness management in primary care. These issues seemed to transcend existing organizational and resource constraints.