682 computer-based management of a pediatric subspecialty clinic

ABSTRACT To improve patient care and reduce the time required for administrative functions, we developed a computerized system for our Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic. Using a Hewlett-Packard

9845A mini-computer, we store background data and add new information accrued at each patient contact. We maintain a tabular record of past, current, and pending data for each patient and

enter test results as they are received. Prior to each weekly clinic, we enter the names or hospital numbers of the scheduled patients into the computer and generate a patient list. For each

patient the computer prints a customized guide sheet by assembling selected skeleton sentences from a list stored in memory. The subset of sentences chosen for each patient is retained, but

can be modified as desired. The guide sheet instructs residents and students by highlighting the pertinent aspects of the history and physical examination and also serves as the draft of

the letter to the referring physician. After the patient visit, we enter new findings, diagnoses, tests and treatment plans into the computer. A preliminary letter is printed and reviewed

before the computer types the final copy on letterhead stationery. Implementation of this system has enhanced our ability to evaluate our patients, provided a new teaching instrument and

reduced the time consumed by administrative tasks. It is applicable to other clinical settings and the programs, written in BASIC, can be adapted to equipment costing less than $5,000.

ARTICLE PDF AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, New York Ernest M Post, Roger E Spitzer & Robert A Richilian

Authors * Ernest M Post View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Roger E Spitzer View author publications You can also search for this author

inPubMed Google Scholar * Robert A Richilian View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS

ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Post, E., Spitzer, R. & Richilian, R. 682 COMPUTER-BASED MANAGEMENT OF A PEDIATRIC SUBSPECIALTY CLINIC. _Pediatr Res_ 15 (Suppl 4), 556 (1981).

https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00705 Download citation * Issue Date: 01 April 1981 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00705 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the

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