Computer support for interpreting family histories of breast and ovarian cancer in primary care: comparative study with simulated cases.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the potential effect of computer support on general practitioners' management of familial breast and ovarian cancer, and to compare the effectiveness of two different types of computer program.

Design

Crossover experiment with balanced block design.

Participants

Of a random sample of 100 general practitioners from Buckinghamshire who were invited, 41 agreed to participate. From these, 36 were selected for a fully balanced study.

Interventions

Doctors managed 18 simulated cases: 6 with computerised decision support system Risk Assessment in Genetics (RAGs), 6 with Cyrillic (an established pedigree drawing program designed for clinical geneticists), and 6 with pen and paper.

Main outcome measures

Number of appropriate management deci

SUBMITTER: Emery J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27423 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature