Are microcomputers appropriate for your practice?

Abstract

The overly simplistic view of the process of automation widely presented to physicians needs to be counterbalanced. Computers are becoming cheaper, easier to program, and simpler to operate. However, the physician must be aware of the gap between personal computing and serious use of computers in his practice. To bridge this gap, the physician must analyze his needs to identify appropriate applications to automate, plan the implementation of these applications, and choose the necessary hardware and software resources. To do so it may be valuable for him to seek the help of an expert. Although the physician can certainly perform the necessary tasks, he should be aware that to perform them efficiently there are a number of aspects he should seriously consider.