Computerized clinical information

The use of computers for medical practice has not evolved as rapidly as might be expected. Even though MEDLINE searches are universally used for in-depth search of medical information, the effective use of computers in direct patient care has had very limited acceptance. The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC) has supported the development of an in-house computer billing and information system, Pacific Area Medical Manager (PAMM), that includes a Patient Health Status (PHS) module. Through local development of the system, physicians are involved in every level of planning the PHS. Acceptance of the computer system by physicians has increased.