Using the Apple IIe Computer as an Administrative Tool in an Occupational Therapy Department

The microcomputer can be an extremely effective tool in an occupational therapy department for accomplishing administrative tasks in a more efficient and accurate manner when compared to traditional methods. This paper is directed to the occupational therapy manager who would like to streamline secretarial and administrative record-keeping. The mystery is removed from the computer terms of data base, spreadsheet, and word processing. Hardware and software requirements are identified. The process of creating patient files, attendance records and monthly reports is described so that the reader can gain an understanding of how occupational therapists can actually use a computer program to carry out these tasks. Additional applications including budgeting, creating home programs, and calculating productivity are also discussed. The reader is encouraged to consider the computer as a useful tool and approach it in an organized fashion, rather than let a lack of experience cause hesitation in initiating a project that can lead to enormous savings in time and improved accuracy for an occupational therapy department.