Automated hospital information system functions for dietetics

Utilization of computer technology in health care is expanding, and managers need information regarding existing automated functions when making decisions relative to system design or acquisition. The Automated Hospital Information System (AHIS) Component Catalog, compiled by the Health Services Research Center/Health Care Technology Center (HSRC/HCTC) at the University of Missouri-Columbia, describes the features of software packages offered by vendors and utilized in hospitals. On the basis of an analysis of the contents of the Catalog relative to automated functions for dietetic departments, charge capturing and diet change notification were the functions used most frequently in hospitals. Although a stores inventory was not included as a component offered by any of the responding vendors, 23 of the hospital systems described in the catalog included a stores inventory component. Menu planning and meal scheduling were functions which were both available from vendors and utilized in hospitals. The nutrient analysis function was implemented in some of the larger hospitals. The information in the Catalog reflects the availability and adoption of automated hospital information system components for dietetic functions.