Actual practice with Interpractice Systems: first experiences

A new health center of Harvard Community Health Plan of Boston, MA, has been the test site for aspects of InterPractice Systems including the automated medical record, test and prescription ordering, results management, and home systems. Some of our staff had no prior computer experience, some had extensive experience. We have found the system to be valuable in accessing information quickly and efficiently. In addition, clinical, medication and test data can be manipulated and organized in new and powerful ways. Patient records are always legible and are accessible at multiple locations at the moment they are completed. Recording of information has not been a burden. Prescription ordering has been a success and ordering of laboratory and radiology tests is becoming more simplified. A pilot test of the home systems has been promising. The use of the system does not appear to interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. The system holds the potential of being used as a tool for clinical research and outcomes studies and as an aid in defining the efficient use of resources while continuously improving the quality of care our patients receive.