Citation[]
Office of Technology Assessment, Policy Implications of Medical Information Systems (Dec. 1977) (full-text).
Overview[]
This report provides a balanced and impartial assessment of the policy implications of computer-based medical information systems.
The report begins with a summary of the findings and conclusions and the alternative policies that could be pursued. Chapter 2 provides a perspective for the assessment. Three different kinds of medical information systems that were examined are described in chapter 3. Chapter 4 discusses the implications of these systems on such areas of concern as quality of medical care, clinical decision-making, malpractice litigation, and confidentiality of data about patients. Chapters considers the factors that influence the diffusion and use of information systems in the medical field. In conclusion, chapter 6 considers a range of policy alternatives for maximizing the benefits of information systems.