An Informatics-based Chronic Disease Practice
Case Study of a 35-year Computer-based Longitudinal Record System
- Affiliations of the authors: The Pacific Health Research Institute and the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI (RAN); Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (CAK)
- Correspondence and reprint requests: Casimir A. Kulikowski, PhD, Department of Computer Science, Hill Center, Busch Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. e-mail: 〈kulikows{at}cs.rutgers.edu〉
- Received 10 June 1997
- Accepted 20 August 1997
Abstract
The authors present the case study of a 35-year informatics-based single subspecialty practice for the management of patients with chronic thyroid disease. This extensive experience provides a paradigm for the organization of longitudinal medical information by integrating individual patient care with clinical research and education. The kernel of the process is a set of worksheets easily completed by the physician during the patient encounter. It is a structured medical record that has been computerized since 1972, enabling analysis of different groups of patients to answer questions about chronic conditions and the effects of therapeutic interventions. The recording process and resulting studies severe as an important vehicle for medical education about the nuances of clinical practice. The authors suggest ways in which computerized medical records can become an integral part of medical practice, rather than a luxury or novelty.
Footnotes
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This work was supported in part by the Pacific Health Research Institute, the Straub Foundation, and the George F. Straub Trust.
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Dr. Nordyke died in August 1997, shortly after this paper was accepted for publication.
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↵* Our unpublished data.
