Abstract
The automation of administrative functions in medical practices is important for decreased healthcare costs and healthcare reform. However, the diffusion of medical practice management systems has been slow and systems in use are not effectively utilized. This paper discusses practitioners’ use and evaluation of their office systems. Although not all propositions were supported, it is clear that office computer system use is most influenced by practitioners’ perceptions of the systems’ ease of use and that satisfaction is related to perceived system usefulness. Involvement of medical and administrative staff in the acquisition of the system is related to satisfaction with the system, though not usage. A key finding of the study is that there are different groups of medical practice management system users, each with different perceptions and needs. This heterogeneous constituency must be considered by vendors and designers of medical office systems, as well as by those acquiring the systems. Since ease of use and usefulness are important, it is suggested that they be emphasized in the design of medical practice management systems and considered by doctors when a system is acquired.