[Computerization--a broad view]

This article describes the computer system as installed at three of the South African Medical Services (SAMS) hospitals. The system was developed as an improvement to the existing computerised inpatient system. Nursing personnel were involved from the design stage where a work group was formed to provide nursing input to the system. The patient identification subsystem is an integral part of the system. The patients' personal details as well as his blood group, address and medical-aid details are stored by this system. The hospital administration subsystem includes planned admission bookings, hospital and ward admission as well as discharges both on recuperative leave and final discharge. A ward information screen supplies information as to ward occupancy as well as patient information such as condition, nursing level of care, intravenous infusions and diet. Sub functions from this screen allow the update of the above information, capturing of details of births or deaths, collection or return of valuables and the printing of labels. A reminder function is present for patient appointments. Various management reports are available including summaries of occupancy, patients in other hospitals, admissions, discharges, births and deaths. Printouts are available of patients in various groups, lists of planned admissions for various dates, ward layouts, activity lists, diet lists and patient reminder lists.