A database perspective of the transition from single-use (ancillary-based) systems to integrated models supporting clinical care and research in a MUMPS-based system.
The Composite Health Care System (CHCS), a MUMPS-based hospital information system (HIS), has evolved from the Decentralized Hospital Computer Program (DHCP) installed within VA Hospitals. The authors explore the evolution of an ancillary-based system toward an integrated model with a look at its current state and possible future. The history and relationships between orders of different types tie specific patient-related data into a logical and temporal model. Diagrams demonstrate how the database structure has evolved to support clinical needs for integration. It is suggested that a fully integrated model is capable of meeting traditional HIS needs.
Siegel
J
J
Science Applications International Corporation, San Diego, CA 92121.
Kirkland
D
D
D003628:Database Management Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D012106:Research; D012985:Software Design; D014584:User-Computer Interface