An automated verbal medical history system

Computer-based automated medical history acquisition systems have not been as widely utilized as originally anticipated. The high cost, limited accessibility and alien nature of the computer terminal equipment have all been cited as important factors in the limited acceptance. A system has been developed that makes it possible to use a standard household telephone as the computer input and output terminal in obtaining medical history data. Patient acceptance is excellent, and medical information gathered using this technique is as accurate as that obtained by self-administered questionnaires or personal interviews. This system maintains the advantages of the terminal-based automated history program while eliminating many of its deficiencies.