Most industries have plunged into data automation, but health care organizations have lagged in moving patients' medical records from paper to computers. In its first edition, this book presented a blueprint for introducing the computer-based patient record (CPR). The revised edition adds new information to the original book. One section describes recent developments, including the creation of a computer-based patient record institute. An international chapter highlights what is new in this still-emerging technology. An expert committee explores the potential of machine-readable CPRs to improve diagnostic and care decisions, provide a database for policymaking, and much more, addressing these key questions:




Who uses patient records?
What technology is available and what further research is necessary to meet users' needs?
What should government, medical organizations, and others do to make the transition to CPRs?


The volume also explores such issues as privacy and confidentiality, costs, the need for training, legal barriers to CPRs, and other key topics.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
A Progress Report on Computer-Based Patient Records in the Unites States
A Progress Report on Computer-Based Patient Records in Europe
Summary
1 Introduction
2 The Computer-Based Patient Record: Meeting Health Care Needs
3 Computer-Based Patient Record Technologies
4 The Road to CPR Implementation
5 Improving Patient Records: Conclusions and Recommendations
Appendix A: Subcommittees
Appendix B: Legal Aspects of Computer-Based Patient Records and Record Systems
Index