Informating, not automating, the medical record

Abstract

The author suggests that reference should be made in the future to the need to informate and not to automate the medical record. The reason for this recommended semantic change is first to avoid the mistaken notion that the computerization of medical records will reduce the number of personnel processing medical information. Instead, personnel will shift their attention from rote clerical activities to analytic activities made possible by the creation of new data bases by computers. These new data bases, a byproduct of informating the medical record, describe work processes and lend themselves to analytic activities which will enhance quality and efficiency in hospitals. The recent availability of report generators on commercial Laboratory Information Systems (LISs) mark their transition from automating to informating systems. One example of an ad hoc report used to enhance quality and efficiency in the clinical laboratories is the throughput report.