Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews

Abstract

In general practice care and research, the quality and processing of information can be enhanced by its direct entry into a microcomputer. This article discusses the development and pilot testing of a computerized, interview-assisted instrument that patients and general practitioners can use to report perceptions and experiences of Australian general practice. In general, the instrument was found by the interviewers and respondents to be efficient and enjoyable to use. Its features include visual display of questions, including the automatic selection of questions based on previous answers; rejection of invalid responses; direct recording and display of answers; provision for revising responses; and automatic storage of answers to the hard drive. The authors also discuss some of the limitations of the instrument.