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An informatics-based chronic disease practice: case study of a 35-year computer-based longitudinal record system
1Pacific Health Research Institute, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA
|February 7, 1998
Summary
This case study demonstrates how a 35-year informatics-based practice for chronic thyroid disease management can integrate patient care, research, and education. Computerized medical records, utilizing physician worksheets, enable data analysis for improved clinical practice and medical education.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Endocrinology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- A 35-year informatics-based subspecialty practice focused on chronic thyroid disease management is presented.
- Longitudinal medical information organization is crucial for integrating patient care, clinical research, and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a paradigm for organizing longitudinal medical information.
- To demonstrate the value of computerized medical records in chronic disease management and medical education.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a structured, computerized medical record system since 1972.
- Employing physician-completed worksheets during patient encounters for data capture.
- Analyzing patient data to answer questions about chronic conditions and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- The informatics-based practice successfully integrated patient care, research, and education over 35 years.
- Computerized records facilitated analysis of patient groups and therapeutic effects.
- The system served as a valuable tool for medical education on clinical practice nuances.
Conclusions:
- Computerized medical records can be an integral part of medical practice, not merely a novelty.
- This informatics-based model offers a sustainable approach to managing chronic diseases and advancing medical knowledge.