Computerizing a Small Medical Practice Trading Tranquility for Tranquilizers

摘要

The use of micro-computers in the solo or small group medical practice environment is a relatively recent development. This paper describes the development and initial field testing of such a system, first in a solo practice, then evolving to a small group. The hardware is briefly detailed, the evolution of the software package is described, the difficulties of implementation and the future plans for the system are all outlined. As the hardware becomes more economical and universally available, use of microcomputers will certainly become commonplace, even in the small office setting, and it offers exciting possibilities for the future.