A pilot data system for a medical center

Abstract

Progress in the electronic data processing industry has been noted with interest by the medical community. A need for improvements in data handling in hospitals exists, particularly in those areas directly involved with patient care. Major objectives of a multipurpose hospital medical data system are identified, in addition to important problems. A pilot medical system is described which consists essentially of a central computer facility connected on-line with a remote multiterminal hospital data system. It is designed for the acquisition, storage, and retrieval of multiple categories of medical data. The basic design incorporates the capability of modular expansion into nearly all professional and administrative hospital functions.