[Use of a personal computer system at a cardio-pulmonary function laboratory for text processing, graphics and...

To improve the off-line data processing a personal-computer-system was set up, including a HP-85A desk-computer with a dual-disc-drive, a plotter, a printer and a digitizer (graphical tablet). The application of the personal-computer-system is focused on the work up of medical reports and records, transformation of physiologic data into graphics (ergometric stress testing, myocardial function curve, lung mechanics) and on speeding up the flow and distribution of information. Further applications include a literature storage and retrieving system, the quantitative analysis of left ventricular wall motion by two dimensional echocardiography and a graphic aided system for medical statistics. Hopefully the data processing at a cardio-pulmonary function laboratory will lead to a better definition of diseased states in quantitative terms and by this support the rational basis for medical intervention. Slow communication of medical information is a critical factor in the practice of high quality medical care (cost/efficiency).