Exploitation of medical records

The difficulties in fully exploiting correct and valid medical data held in a computer system are presented. The requirements for such a system to answer a physician's request are detailed and related to the clinical user, the computer interface and the technological interface, in particular that relating to adequate software. The technical aspects of hardware and software govern the progress of change and a degree of long-term compatibility is required, to ensure adequate exploitation of clinical data. The various economic aspects of such changes are considered including the importance of economy in supporting harmonious technical changes.