Implementation of a statewide perinatal automated medical network (PAM/NET) for Michigan

PAM/NET is a computerized data base and conferencing system used by nine neonatal intensive care units in Michigan and Illinois. The system depends on the timesharing resource of a large university mainframe computer. The data base functions are managed by a sophisticated inverted file relational data base management system capable of mass storage and rapid and specific retrieval of individual cases or summary data. Data stored in the system are used to generate admission, discharge and developmental assessment clinic summaries that serve as such for the medical record and as letters to primary physicians. We report here the early experience in the design and dissemination of this database network to the participating hospitals. Conflicting goals of sharing and confidentiality of clinical data are addressed in the design of this system.