Medical applications of computers: an overview.

In this review computer applications in medicine are discussed from the point of view of the levels of information processing as suggested by van Bemmel. Applications are presented and research directions indicated. The purpose of this review article is to give an overview of the field of medical informatics. A structural approach is followed in discussing the subjects of communication, databases, complex calculations (including signal analysis and image analysis techniques), pattern recognition and expert systems. The role the computer system plays in relation to the physician is discussed. It is stressed that computers cannot replace the physician, because computer systems use programs, that are of a scientific nature. This means that only certain aspects are taken into account and that one abstracts from individuality. Therefore, computers are unable to give advice about individual patients regarding their future.