The Use of Computer Information Technology: a Transitional Study of Technology Use in the Medical Profession.

This study of physicians' use of computer information technology in their practices is a transitional study occuring at the start of the 21st century. It explores Davis's theory of technology acceptance and Masuda's theory of the growth of the information society as technology develops, innovates, and spreads. This is a nonexperimental, quantitative study. This study provides a snapshot of how physicians viewed the impending growth of technology as both essential and costly. It also identifies the initial basic uses of technology in this specific area of medical practice and opens the window for integrated uses that are now seen as standard. It points to more sophisticated utilization as necessary--such as global access to medical records and prescription monitoring which have not come to fruition.