Computers and medical decision making.

Several researchers are exploring the role of computers in medical decision making, and many large organizations have developed systems and data bases for the practicing physician. These data banks will probably expand over the next few years and become easily accessible to any physician with a telephone and a microcomputer. Other researchers are examining computers as an aid to diagnosis or problem solving, and several programs have been developed which allow computers to make uncomplicated medical decisions without interacting with a physician. Other computer programs have been developed to teach medical decision making theory and practice. The trend towards increased computer portability and memory capability will enhance physicians' use of computers in the future.