The Computer-Based Patient Record: An Essential Technology for Health Care

Citation
Institute of Medicine, The Computer-Based Patient Record: An Essential Technology for Health Care (Richard S. Dick, Elaine B. Steen & Don E. Detmer rev. ed. 1997) (full-text).

Overview
This book is the result of a study conducted by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to improve patient records, acting in response to expanding demands for information and for increased functional capacity of patient record systems, as well as the considerable recent technological advances that bring the benefits of computer-based patient records within reach.

The committee identified five objectives for future patient record systems. First, future patient records should support patient care and improve its quality. Second, they should enhance the productivity of health care professionals and reduce the administrative costs associated with health care delivery and financing. Third, they should support clinical and health services research. Fourth, they should be able to accommodate future developments in health care technology, policy, management, and finance. Fifth, they must have mechanisms in place to ensure patient data confidentiality at all times.