title: Urological history-taking and management recommendations by microcomputer.
abstract: A system has been developed to acquire a complete urological history using an Apple microcomputer. The system can ask up to 300 multiple choice questions which the patient answers using a light pen. The questions are grouped into blocks for urological symptoms and complicating factors. A printout summarises the history and the recommended further investigations. A copy of this is given to the patient and the referring doctor. The clinician discusses the printout and proposed investigations with the patient. The system has been tested against experienced clinicians and the results are presented. The computer system was evaluated for 26 patients and was found to record all of the important information. The system is now in regular use in the out-patient clinic as the first part of the diagnostic work-up in suitable referrals. This system has shortened waiting times for first appointments. To date 261 patients have used the system. The consultant urologist continues his practice of reading all referral letters and allocating priorities. Conditions requiring immediate physical examination (e.g. testicular swelling) are not suitable for this type of approach.
authors.affiliation: Walton Urological Teaching and Research Center, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow.
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Glen
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Small
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Morrison
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pollock
mesh_terms: D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008838:Microcomputers; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012984:Software; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*