Data base management, feedback control, and the Regenstrief Medical Record

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Information Systems

Background:

• Medical practices have varying informational needs, necessitating flexible medical record systems.
• Traditional systems often lack adaptability, hindering efficient data management and retrieval.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate how database management and user-oriented command languages enhance the flexibility of medical record systems.
• To highlight the capabilities of the Regenstrief Medical Record System in meeting diverse user requirements.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a database management system.
• Development and utilization of two user-oriented command languages: RDB Command Language and CARE.
• Integration of these languages for user-defined batch reports, file maintenance, and ad hoc retrievals.
• Application programs for daily online activities, with flexible screen content and format defined by text files.

Main Results:

• Users can specify the content and appearance of batch reports.
• File maintenance procedures and ad hoc data retrieval are user-configurable.
• Online display screens are dynamically defined, enhancing user interaction.
• The system currently manages records for 60,000 patients, demonstrating scalability.

Conclusions:

• Database management and user-oriented languages significantly improve medical record system flexibility.
• The Regenstrief Medical Record System effectively empowers users to customize data management and reporting.
• This approach supports diverse medical practice needs through adaptable health information technology.