Computer-aided prescription--a prototype system.

Abstract

This study intends to satisfy two purposes: To prove the necessity of an electronical prescription aid and to propose a structure that can be interpreted into software which will be able to cover that need. The complicated market reality and the disadvantages of the written pharmaceutical directories make the existence of an electronical aid absolutely necessary. The structure of a prescription system should be based upon the drastic substance with its consequences (adverse effects, relative and absolute contraindications, pharmakokinetics and interactions). Every drastic substance will lead to the connection of pharmacology with the market reality and its own consequences (product identification through text and image, trade name, pharmaceutical company, strength, package information). The whole structure constitutes a completed relation--database system that is capable of answering any simple question or query that concerns the field of prescribing. The final production of such an aid is believed to help in a very high degree prescribing in a more precise and correct way, saving financial means for the patient and the health insurance as well as saving the doctor's time.