Implementation of the totally integrated hospital information system (Humane) in Osaka University Hospital

On September 1, 1993, in the new Osaka University Hospital, we implemented a new hospital information system named "HUMANE" (Human oriented Universal Medical Assessment system by Network Environment). We had planned to organize a more effective and efficient medical care system in the new hospital and improve the medical services to patients. To succeed in constructing a totally integrated hospital information system, the original data must be entered. Most of it would be entered by doctors who are not accustomed to the operation of a computer system, thus the production of a good man-machine interface is indispensable. For this reason, we adopted a micro-medium-main frame link system for the system configuration. The interface program and the copy of the master data about each subsystem are located on the microframe. Although, all patient data is stored on the mainframe, most of the active patients' data is delivered to the mediumframe before the data is requested. This system design makes it possible to shorten the response time and to use a comfortable user interface. On the basis of this system configuration, we made subsystems that support hospital management, for example, an ordering system, a reporting system, a reservation system, a supporting system for hospitalization, a nurse supporting system, and so on. These systems promote automation control in each central service division; pharmacy, radiology, laboratory for clinical investigation and accounting section, resulting in man-power being saved. At the same time, medical service to patients is improved, because waiting time is shortened and redundant examinations or prescription are avoided.