Computer supported patient management

Both a prototype medical record system and a protocol information system are presented. Both systems are used for research purposes. The philosophy behind the medical record system is that the system should provide both freedom of vocabulary and freedom of level of detail. The freedom of vocabulary is guaranteed by allowing free text entry. Freedom of level of detail is obtained by structuring the medical record in a hierarchical way and to allow the physician to enter data at the level of detail that suits him best. The protocol information system supports the physician in managing the patient. It guides the user through the protocol and allows him to obtain background information about the protocol. Both flowcharts and images are included. After each session a summary of the steps taken can be printed. A first evaluation indicates that physicians like to use the system and learn from it.