T B Tanner1, P Murray, M Allen. 1. University of Pittsburgh/Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The growth of computer technology allows clinicians to develop a separate information system to replace inefficient paper-based approaches to documenting clinical care. METHODS: A clinician team developed a system to replace standard paper forms using computer software running on 486 PC computer. Clinicians, directing the project at every step, refined handwritten forms to create a complete word processor application merging information from an individual database. RESULTS: A system developed outside the traditional hospital information system simplifies the generation of a variety of required inpatient documents (treatment plans, progress notes, patient lists, and treatment summaries). A wide variety of clinicians converted from a traditional paper-based approach to the computer system. CONCLUSIONS: Computer technology allows the local development of an information system oriented toward clinical needs. Hospital clinical information systems will benefit from the input of clinicians with experience designing a computerized solution.
OBJECTIVE: The growth of computer technology allows clinicians to develop a separate information system to replace inefficient paper-based approaches to documenting clinical care. METHODS: A clinician team developed a system to replace standard paper forms using computer software running on 486 PC computer. Clinicians, directing the project at every step, refined handwritten forms to create a complete word processor application merging information from an individual database. RESULTS: A system developed outside the traditional hospital information system simplifies the generation of a variety of required inpatient documents (treatment plans, progress notes, patient lists, and treatment summaries). A wide variety of clinicians converted from a traditional paper-based approach to the computer system. CONCLUSIONS: Computer technology allows the local development of an information system oriented toward clinical needs. Hospital clinical information systems will benefit from the input of clinicians with experience designing a computerized solution.