ABSTRACT
Computer information systems have been created for hospital laboratories and pharmacies and for medical records administration. Some of the most far-reaching and dynamic applications of computers support the health and medical institutions of our society. The use of computers to support the clinical activities of the medical staff has moved through several stages. The computers were too cumbersome for anything other than hospital administrative records. Clinicians have used computers to plan drug and radiation treatment and monitor vital signs in intensive care wards. In drug treatment planning, computers analyze the patient’s metabolism, known drug reactions, and other contraindications in determining the optimum dosage level for the treatment. The use of computerized scanning and laboratory analysis equipment has greatly benefited medical practice. World health authorities plan to improve the flow of medical information to the third world by making it possible for hospitals to access data from and consult with centers of specialized medicine in the developed countries.
