Computer-aided instruction at the Ottawa General Hospital.

We have reviewed our experiences with the first systematic use of CAI at the University of Ottawa Medical School. The Bleich acid-base and electrolyte program was employed by senior clinical clerks in the Department of Medicine during the past year using APL version of the program, an IBM 360-65 computer linked by acoustic coupler to the typewriter-style IBM 2741 terminal. We have been impressed with the importance of: (1) minimizing technical difficulties, (2) enhancing the teaching capacity of the program (as opposed to its consultant function) and (3) carefully ensuring that the user understands its limitations. This pilot project in clinical CAI has identified problems which will likely be experienced in other medical centres and has suggested important areas for further development.