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CDSS are likely to be more acceptable and effective if the prescribing support is provided much earlier in the process of generating a prescription.

Background Systematic reviews have suggested that time spent on computerrelated tasks increases consultation length. However, these reviews pre-date the current ubiquitous use of computers in U.K. general practice. Objective As part of a U.K. national study of the influence of information technology (IT) on the interaction between patients and healthcare professionals during consultations, we explored how IT functions affected time allocation and styles of computer use during general practitioner (GP) consultations. Methods We drew on multichannel video recording of consultations and measured consultation phases and the duration of computer-related tasks. We related measures of actual time to GP's interpretation of computer use elicited in qualitative interviews. Results Our sample included recordings of 112 consultations from 6 GPs in three practices. The computer was used for about one-third of the greater consultation. However, its use was concentrated pre-and post-the patient consultation. The workflow of consultation was exemplified through six computer use cases. Most functionality was accepted and accommodated within the consultation, though

HARD ON the heels of the research worker probing the boundaries of the unknown, or thrusting back the barriers of prejudice and ignorance, comes the teacher who has to assimilate new knowledge and process it into a form suitable for lesson presentation.

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