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Health and Computers

Improved Quality in Healthcare Computers are aiding healthcare advances in many different ways. An example of which is the HELP system. The HELP system stores useful information that can remind and aid physicians while solving clinical problems. For complex problems, computer workstations can integrate patient records, research plans, and knowledge databases for physicians. The HELP system was in place to study the significance of serving antibiotics two hours before surgery.

In addition to alerting physicians to abnormal and changing clinical values, computers can post reminders for physicians. For complex problems, computer workstations can integrate patient records, research plans, and knowledge databases. Physicians reminded by computer were twice as likely to give flu vaccine to patients at high risk during the winter in a 3-year trial by Indiana University investigators. Winter hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and tests for respiratory ailments were reduced by 10 to 30 percent because the high-risk patients were vaccinated. Computer alerts for physicians prevented serious kidney failure and preserved kidney function in patients. When indicators of kidney function rose in the patients, the computers alerted the physicians, who then stopped medications being given or adjusted doses more than 21 hours sooner than when there were no alerts.

Use of highly interactive HIV workstations for physicians can result in up to 20-percent decrease in hospitalization of HIV patients, increased use of primary care, and improved quality of care. From any of the terminals at the hospital or from home by telephone dialup, clinicians can access the patient data base and the HIV knowledge data base for improved patient care. Computers and databases can be used to compare expected results with actual results and to help physicians make decisions.