In article <000301bf8ac1$2af231e0$a278edc1@sghaed>, Gerry Lane
<[log in to unmask]> writes
> I'm about to invest heavily in a new computer system. Is anybody
> running REMASS or HAS as opposed to Footman Walker mentioned in a
> recent thread
This is a huge undertaking and needs a lot of work (I am sure you have
found that out)
I am a GP and have given up 'writing' records - all my recording is
electronic - I have experience of this in a previous practice and have
introduced it into my current practice (amongst some
technophobic/techo-unaware partners and staff
IMHO the most important feature of whatever 'system' you use is that it
*must* give something back to the user otherwise it will not get used
properly and will be the most expensive chocolate teapot this side of
Willy Wonka's factory
By 'giving something back' to the user I don't mean solely things like
audit capability, research - this benefits patients and the department
but it does not help the SHO who is sitting Part 1 next week who's
colleague has not turned up for the shift, when there is 3 hours waiting
and the boss isn't about.....if you want that person to use your
computer they will only do it if it makes their life easier/better in
some way. Lose sight of this basic fact and it all goes down the drain.
I could (and do!) go on and on so I'll stop there,
Hope it all goes well
PS
Keith Conover MD has some interesting info on his site - they are using
a dictation system in Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh - I can't remember the
URL but it is linked from www.wemsi.org
PPS
Computers must make life easier not harder - so there should be no
double recording ie written + electronic - the ideal (IMHO) is to have a
system to record clinical info and that all admin/other functions happen
as a spin-off from this record with little or no further need for other
actions - eg in my practice I record a consultation about contraception
- this automatically produces my claims for this service - oh, and this
allows my staff to do more important things like get away from
computers/paper and talk to patients, or run audits, develop projects
etc
PPPS
sorry - just one more thought - I am not familiar with the A+E systems
so this may be old hat but ensure that whatever you have will handle
Read codes (Clinical Terms as I think they are to be called now) - I am
sure that you are aware that the plan is that these will be adopted
across the NHS (if that is where you operate)
--
Jel Coward
The UK Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician and Command Physician course
site has been updated - take a look for course dates in 2000!!
http://www.wildmedic.org
http://www.wemsi.org
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'There's no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothing"
Anon Norwegian
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