"Consider the advantages: the computer can be made available at any time, whereas a human teacher may have many other responsibilities; the computer is infinitely patient and consistent, repeating the same message again and again without modification or fatigue; computer instruction can be highly individualized, allowing the learner to proceed at his or her own pace; the computer provides privacy, helping to overcome learning barriers related to embarrassing or sensitive content, such as issues of sexuality or substance abuse; a good interactive program offers liberal feedback and specific reinforcement, which are critical to effective an efficient learning; and the computer can document the learning process and outcome. These features make the computer particularly adept at educating special popultions, such as geriatric patients, cognitively impaired patients, and patients with low literacy levels."

"Sixty-six articles, including 21 research-based reports, were identified...The reviewed literature supports the use of health care information technology in patient education. As an educational tool the computer provides a number of advantages, including "just-in-time" availability, a private learning environment, and immediate reinforcement of the learning that has occured."