Use of microcomputers in health and social service applications in developing nations

The microcomputer is creating something of a revolution in many developing nations where historically there has been a lack of access to computer power at all levels of the health sector. For the first time, practitioners and researchers, often trained in computer techniques for developing countries, have access through microcomputers to data and information manipulation in their local workplace. While the history of microcomputers in such settings is short, this article presents early evidence from several countries which indicates the usefulness of various applications. The majority of the applications reported in the literature from clinical and research laboratories is made up of national data base systems and special studies of morbidity and mortality. Secondary applications, including assistance in biographical searches and word and graphics processing, are also reviewed in this article. A summary of the most utilized microcomputer hardware configurations completes the review.