[Production control with automatic data processing. 7. Summary of viewpoints].

Computer-based clinical information systems are capable of effectively processing even large amounts of patient-related data. However, physicians depend on rapid access to summarized, clearly laid out data on the computer screen to inform themselves about a patient's current clinical situation. In introducing a clinical workplace system, we therefore transformed the problem list-which for decades has been successfully used in clinical information management-into an electronic equivalent and integrated it into the medical record. The table contains a concise overview of diagnoses and problems as well as related findings. Graphical information can also be integrated into the table, and an additional space is provided for a summary of planned examinations or interventions. The digital form of the problem list makes it possible to use the entire list or selected text elements for generating medical documents. Diagnostic terms for medical reports are transferred automatically to corresponding documents. Computer technology has an immense potential for the further development of problem list concepts. With multimedia applications sound and images will be included in the problem list. For hyperlink purpose the problem list could become a central information board and table of contents of the medical record, thus serving as the starting point for database searches and supporting the user in navigating through the medical record.

Electronic Data Processing↗

PubMed1997

Systematic identification of twins by computerised searches of NHS patient registers in the UK.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity of a systematic search of the NHS central register for twins of the same sex. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: Computerised searches by alphanumeric NHS number, sex, and date of birth of 1.6 million patients registered with general practitioners in Kent, followed by validation by postal questionnaire sent to 66 pairs of children, 129 pairs of adult twins, and one set of triplets. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These were as follows: confirmed twin status, previous involvement in research, and willingness to participate in future research based on a twin register. RESULTS: The procedure was most efficient at identifying twins among children, in males born from 1930 onwards, and females born before 1940. Altogether 2397 male sets and 1684 female sets were identified as probable twins, triplets, or quadruplets with identical surnames, same dates of birth, and consecutive NHS numbers. Among a further 4004 pairs of adult females with the same dates of birth (1940-79), consecutive NHS numbers, but different (married) surnames, an estimated third are twins. Response to the postal questionnaire was 60% (197/327), including only one singleton. Only 10% of responders had previously participated in medical research, but 63% (65/103) of complete sets who responded expressed a willingness to participate in a twin register. CONCLUSIONS: A systematic search of the NHS central register could identify large numbers of British twins. The procedure is efficient, reasonably sensitive, and highly specific, if supplemented by additional information from birth records for adult females born after 1939. The potential exists to create an important new resource for twin studies in Britain.

Electronic Data Processing↗

PubMed1997

[Electronic data processing in nursing--sketching the problem].

The increasing implementation of computers for nurses has mainly happened without being influenced by nurses themselves. The article identifies three central problems of implementation of information technologies for nurses. First, the economic motivation for implementation is critically analysed. Second, the potential discrepancy between intuitive nursing and structured patient data is discussed. Third, the necessary organisational changes while introducing computers are shown. The article holds the thesis that a successful implementation of information technologies for nursing (and other clinical areas) can only be reached by active participations of nurses.

Electronic Data Processing↗