title: Computer printing and filing of microbiology reports. 2. Evaluation and comparison with a manual system, and comparison of two manual systems.
abstract: A manual system of microbiology reporting with a National Cash Register (NCR) form with printed names of bacteria and antiboitics required less time to compose reports than a previous manual system that involved rubber stamps and handwriting on plain report sheets. The NCR report cost 10-28 pence and, compared with a computer system, it had the advantages of simplicity and familarity, and reports were not delayed by machine breakdown, operator error, or data being incorrectly submitted. A computer reporting system for microbiology resulted in more accurate reports costing 17-97 pence each, faster and more accurate filing and recall of reports, and a greater range of analyses of reports that was valued particularly by the control-of-infection staff. Composition of computer-readable reports by technicians on Port-a-punch cards took longer than composing NCR reports. Enquiries for past results were more quickly answered from computer printouts of reports and a day book in alphabetical order.
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D003201:Computers; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006757:Hospital Units; D007256:Information Systems; D007753:Laboratories; D008499:Medical Records; D008829:Microbiology; D011786:Quality Control; D013997:Time Factors