The computerized medical record in action.

Abstract

Before the advent of the IPS computerized medical record at Burlington, Zallen did not own a computer. Although he learned touch-typing in high school, he emphatically states that he hated it. The average age of the physicians on staff at Burlington is about 40, but few had extensive previous experience with computers. According to Zallen, all have adapted to the CPR with few tears or tirades. The physicians continue to "tweak" the system to customize their own scrapbook and templates. Lahey physicians who work at Burlington part time are using the system, although with more staff help. The CPR is alive and well at Burlington Health Center. HCHP physicians can and do use computers in their daily work, producing quality medical records that are readable and retrievable. Nonetheless, promises that computers will make records more complete and accessible and will improve quality measurement will be mere blather if the CPR doesn't make users' lives easier. My last question to Zallen was "How has this system made your life harder?" After one pensive second, he replied, "I really can't think of anything." To me, that is potent testimony that the CPR is not a techie's fantasy, but rather, a pragmatic, workable answer to the needs of 21st century medicine.