A comprehensive patient care system for the family practice

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Family Medicine
• Medical Record Systems

Background:

• Family and Community Health Associates (FACHA) integrated an in-house, online computerized medical information system.
• The system serves a three-physician family practice across two offices.
• It utilizes a Basic Four System 610 minicomputer for comprehensive record storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation and benefits of a computerized medical information system in a family practice setting.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of maintaining computer-stored patient records.
• To determine the impact of the system on patient compliance and quality of care.

Main Methods:

• A SOAP-formatted encounter form was used for data collection.
• Medical and financial records were stored on a minicomputer.
• Pre-encounter medical reports were generated for physicians.
• Cost analysis calculated the per-record maintenance cost.
• Quality of care was assessed through patient compliance and blood pressure monitoring.

Main Results:

• The cost to maintain a computer-stored patient record was $1.32.
• Pre-auditing computer-generated medical reports enhanced patient adherence to health maintenance recommendations.
• Computer-generated flow charts did not significantly improve diastolic blood pressure in chronic hypertensive patients.

Conclusions:

• Computerized medical information systems can improve patient compliance with preventive health measures.
• While cost-effective for record maintenance, the system's impact on specific clinical outcomes like blood pressure requires further investigation.
• The integration of technology in family practice offers potential benefits for patient care and practice management.