A medical information system for the Norwegian continental shelf (MICS)

The Norwegian offshore oil industry is rapidly expanding. The health services for this industry have also developed quickly. An EDB-based medical registration system for the Norwegian continental shelf (MICS) has been planned in support of health services, health authorities and researchers. This information system will consist of an injury/disease register and a register of the population on the Norwegian continental shelf. The injury/disease register will comprise inter alia reported cases of occupational injury, occupational disease, notifiable infectious disease and summary data about rate of utilisation of ambulance transport and health services offshore. The system will be administered by the Norwegian Directorate of Health in cooperation with the Norwegian Oil Directorate. MICS will provide new possibilities for epidemiological studies of health and disease among the employees in the oil industry.