A Computer‐Based Headache Interview: Acceptance by Patients and Physicians

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Forty patients who presented to the Headache Research Foundation in Boston during the winter of 1978/1979 completed an interview, in dialogue with a computer, and then evaluated the program. Ninety‐five percent of the patients thought that the computer interview was easy to use, and 55 percent thought that the computer had obtained a complete history of their headaches. After the computer interview, a summary was printed for physician use, and patients were then seen by one of seven headache clinicians, who subsequently evaluated the computer summary. In 55 percent of encounters, the summary was considered useful.

An Epidemiological Study of Headache in an Urban Population in Zimbabwe

“…The reliability of questionnaires has often been debated. 7,8,9 In this study a combination of questionnaire and interview was used. People were questioned in their homes, at work and in the street and as far as possible were randomly selected.…”

Computer-based interview for screening blood donors for risk of HIV transmission

“…Effective use of computer interviews for the evaluation of headache [15] and urinary tract infection [16] has been reported. And it is now well recognized that patients react favorably, even with enjoyment, to interviews that are carefully written [9,17].…”

Use of a Computerized Data Base in a Headache Clinic

“…Previous interaction that we sponsored was well liked by physicians and patients. 3 In addition to its assistance in collecting information and establishing broad diagnostic categories, the computer eventually may be used to explain to patients the way to take prescribed medications, the mechanisms, actions and side effects of drugs, and the possible dangers of polytherapy. In addition, the computer could provide a print-out for the patient as well as the physician.…”

“…Patients arrived an hour before their appointment with the physician and interacted with the computer in providing their headache history. 3 Upon completion of the history, the computer generated a printed summary, which the patient gave to the physician at the beginning of the appointment. The physician had the option of using the print-out before, during or after the interview with the patient.…”