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The computer as an aid in clinical management.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Clinical dietitians can improve efficiency by using computer analysis of existing patient data. This approach optimizes resource allocation and can be adopted by other healthcare facilities.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Nutrition Informatics
Background:
- Efficient allocation of clinical dietitian resources is crucial for effective patient care.
- Existing mainframe systems often contain valuable, underutilized patient data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate how computer analysis of existing data can enhance clinical dietitian efficiency.
- To provide a model for other healthcare institutions seeking to optimize dietitian resource allocation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized computer analysis of information from existing mainframe programs.
- Examined readily available data on patient populations and diet orders.
Main Results:
- Achieved significantly more efficient allocation of clinical dietitians' time and expertise at Fairview General Hospital.
- Demonstrated the value of leveraging existing data infrastructure for operational improvements.
Conclusions:
- Computer analysis of existing patient and diet order information is an effective strategy for improving clinical dietitian efficiency.
- Healthcare institutions can replicate these results by analyzing their own stored computer data.