Computer-assisted patient-care management

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Hospital Management Systems

Background:

• Individualized patient-care records were implemented in 1976.
• A pilot project for a computer-assisted patient-care management system began in 1977.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a computer-assisted patient-care management system.
• To manage administrative and patient-care records efficiently.
• To support medical management and data collection for research.

Main Methods:

• System implementation in two patient-care units.
• Management of administrative records (admissions, discharges, census).
• Management of patient-care records (orders, tests, medications).
• Integration of medical data for patient status and research.

Main Results:

• The system is operational in two pilot units.
• It manages both administrative and patient-care records.
• It includes features for medical management and data analysis.

Conclusions:

• The computer-assisted system is a key component of modern hospital management.
• The pilot project is a precursor to wider hospital implementation.
• Evaluation in 1978 will inform expansion to 18 units by 1979.