Data extraction and feedback: Does this lead to change in patient care?

Background: Computers enable general practitioners to collate clinical data within their practices. The improvements that this can make to clinical care remain the subject of enquiry. Objective: Does the analysis of clinical data for the purpose of instigating quality improvement strategies in general practice, with support from a local division of general practice, lead to positive changes in measures of care after 12 months? Discussion: This study demonstrated that, in this setting, the collection and analysis of clinical data, with support from a division of general practice, led to modest increases in the recording of information rather than improvements in clinical outcomes.