The pocket medical record--do we need a centralized medical data base?

A microprocessor-generated portable medical record has been developed as an alternative to a centralized digital medical data base. The medical information in this data base is processed and selected by physicians or nurses, with direct entry to the computer. Speed and accuracy of input are aided by this software program. Implementation of the program in several medical institutions has shown that the portable medical data base is useful in transfer of medical information among such institutions, and that the data base is adaptable to a variety of practice settings.