On Tue, 15 Oct 1996 19:22:52 +0100, Paul Galloway wrote:
>OK, I know this .....can't be done/is a crap idea/has already been done/is
>a great idea and patented *delete as appropriate...
>
>...but...
>
>What about standard format referral/Dx letters with patient identifier (new
>NHS number ?) , problem list, drugs, PMH, etc. given as plain speak, Read
>code, and ...bar coded ???
>
>Admin staff each end beep in the data to the record just like Tescos (
>certainly at the GP end :-) to keep the computer record up to date ??
>
>So tell me it won't work..I dare you >:-(
It could/does - well sort of in a different context.
Some of my colleagues developed a system for Southampton University
Hospitals NHS Trust which collected data through use of intelligent
light pens carried by members of staff. Resources, activities and
patient were defined by bar codes mounted on plastic coated A5 cards,
and "swiped" by the pens while staff were doing their rounds. At the
end of the round the data captured by the pens is downloaded into a PC
(by putting the pens into what I call an intelligent inkwell ! ) from
whence it produced a range of standard reports supplemented by an ad
hoc report writer.
Uses·
Patient based-HRG costed analysis of care profiles
Staff group based-activities and utilisation analysis to support work
scheduling, improve working practices and help introduce generic
working
Local based-ward and directorate analysis
Consultant based-casemix management
but I guess there are all sorts of other uses...
Ok so it's not quite like Tescos, but it's similar - I know there are
other systems which use light pens to read bar codes, but I think this
was different in that the pens were quite independent of any other
equipment and stored the data "on-board" until the end of the round.
Saved lugging around any other kit.
Anyway the Trust won second prize in the "IT in healthcare" innovation
awards with it so....
___________________________________________________________________________
John Farenden - Secta / Health Web Services
Triton House, Hare Park Lane, Liversedge, West Yorkshire, England, WF15 8HN
Tel 01274 852160, Fax 01274 852159
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