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Medical applications of computers: an overview
1Dept. of Medical Informatics and Statistics, University of Limburg, The Netherlands.
International Journal of Bio-Medical Computing
|May 1, 1987
Summary
This review explores computer applications in medicine, focusing on medical informatics. Computers aid physicians by processing information but cannot replace them due to limitations in handling individual patient uniqueness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Computer Science in Medicine
Background:
- The integration of computer applications into medical practice.
- The evolution of medical informatics as a distinct field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of medical informatics.
- To discuss computer applications based on information processing levels.
- To indicate future research directions in the field.
Main Methods:
- Structural approach to medical informatics topics.
- Discussion of communication, databases, and complex calculations (signal and image analysis).
- Exploration of pattern recognition and expert systems.
Main Results:
- Computer systems are valuable tools for physicians in information processing.
- Applications span communication, data management, analysis, and decision support.
- Research is advancing in areas like expert systems and pattern recognition.
Conclusions:
- Computers cannot replace physicians due to their inability to account for patient individuality.
- Medical informatics enhances medical practice but retains the physician's central role.
- The scientific nature of computer programs limits their application in personalized medical advice.