Low cost ambulatory medical information system.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Management Systems
• Clinical Data Management

Background:

• The Johns Hopkins Medical Clinic has utilized a computerized minirecord system since 1975.
• Traditional record systems can be cumbersome and costly to manage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the operation, utility, and cost-effectiveness of a computerized minimal essential record system.
• To evaluate the system's components for clinic management and patient care.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a three-component system: Minirecord, appointment system, and encounter data system.
• Utilizing the system for problem and medication tracking, appointment scheduling, and data reporting.

Main Results:

• The minimal essential record system provides a low-cost solution for managing patient information.
• The system facilitates improved clinic operations, patient follow-up, and data-driven reporting.

Conclusions:

• Computerized minimal essential record systems offer a practical and cost-effective approach to medical record management.
• The described system demonstrates utility in enhancing clinic management, quality assurance, and training.