The use of computerized decision support systems in preventive cardiology-principal results from the national PRECARD® survey in Denmark

Background The PRECARD((R)) program has been used for electronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and management in Denmark since 1999. The use of and attitudes toward the program are reported. Design and methods Using an Internet and postal survey to all Danish general practitioners, a total of 592 Danish general practitioners participated in the Internet part of the survey (response rate 19%) and 291 in the postal survey (response rate 73%). Results In all, 21.5% of the GPs use PRECARD((R)), whereas 10% are ex-users. The program is used on average once a week and 64% of the users report that PRECARD((R)) prolongs the consultation somewhat or a lot. Both users and ex-users perceive the program to have a favourable effect on the patients, and as an improvement to the dialogue between GP and patient. Reasons for no longer using the program are varied, such as technical problems and lack of routine with the program. Conclusions Our results indicate that an electronic risk management tool like PRECARD((R)), is perceived as a quality improvement in preventive cardiology in primary care. However the use of the program is not optimal and it may prolong the consultation. (c) 2005 The European Society of Cardiology.