[Advantages of computerized management in a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit]

Computerized management of the activity of a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit in a hospital requires technological resources that include an intrahospital network, a computerized endoscopy program, a computerized appointments program and electronic medical records. The endoscopy unit should define the portfolio of services it provides and establish the time required to perform each procedure, probably using distinct criteria for outpatient and inpatient requests. Computerized management should establish forms designed to receive, accept and schedule requests, and should transfer all the contents of the request to the endoscopy program. The endoscopy program makes and stores reports and images. Integration among the programs allows these contents to be transferred to the electronic medical record. Measures to guarantee the confidentiality and safety of the medical information in each center should be implemented in accordance with its policy on access to medical information.