Abstract
Background: UK primary care is highly computerized; initially led by enthusiastic general practitioners who developed their own systems. This preceded the development of a National Health Service information strategy and an ambitious National Programme for IT.
Model: A 4-element model is proposed to explain the development of information technology: (1) individual clinician choice; (2) integration into the clinical task--usually an office visit; (3) technological developments; and (4) organizational factors.
Conclusion: All 4 elements of this model have been tilted in favor of the utilization of information technology; lessons from the United Kingdom may help other health systems looking to implement information technology systems in primary care.