Mailbox: program designed to improve communication in clinical laboratories

A MUMPS program called MAILBOX allows information to be more efficiently disseminated in a hospital department of clinical biochemistry. Readily accessible to all staff as the department is equipped with video display units in every laboratory and office, MAILBOX allows laboratory staff to send and read departmental messages; send, read, and save personal messages; sign in to and out of the department; and locate all other staff. Departmental messages containing information of general interest are automatically displayed on signing on to MAILBOX. Personal messages are directed to specific people, who are so informed when signing on; they can only be read by the sender and intended recipient(s).