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Computers in medicine. Augmenting medical care in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Insights
Computerized medical records enhance care for pediatric patients with chronic illnesses. This system improves information sharing among multidisciplinary teams and supports inpatient care for conditions like spina bifida and cerebral palsy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare Technology
- Clinical Informatics
- Chronic Disease Management
Background:
- The application of computer technology to support the care of chronically ill pediatric patients is an emerging field.
- Effective management of chronic pediatric diseases requires seamless information exchange among healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation of a computerized medical record system for pediatric patients with chronic illnesses.
- To highlight the system's role in facilitating communication and improving patient care.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Filemaker II software on a Macintosh Plus computer.
- Developed a clinical database to manage patient information.
- Implemented features for information dissemination, communication, and inpatient care support.
Main Results:
- The system serves as a computerized medical record and clinical database.
- Facilitated information dissemination to multidisciplinary team members.
- Aided in generating correspondence and managing patient messages and inpatient care.
Conclusions:
- Computerized medical records can significantly augment the care of chronically ill pediatric patients.
- Future advancements in computer technology hold promise for further enhancing healthcare for this population.
Abstract:
The use of computers to aid care for chronically ill pediatric patients is a relatively new concept. We are currently using Filemaker II software and a Macintosh Plus computer to augment overall patient care in children with chronic diseases, such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, head injury, and spinal cord injury. This is a computerized medical record with a clinical database for dissemination of information to multidisciplinary team members, generating letters to private health care providers, displaying telephone messages, and assisting inpatient care. Advances in computer technology will provide future applications to aid health care providers in caring for patients with chronic illnesses.