title: A prototype generalized network technology for hospitals: initial implementation.
abstract: A demonstration implementation of a distributed data-processing hospital information system using an intelligent local area communications network (LACN) technology is described. This system is operational at the UCSF Medical Center and integrates four heterogeneous, stand-alone minicomputers. The applications systems are PID/Registration, Outpatient Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory, and Radiology/Medical Records. Functional autonomy of these systems has been maintained, and no operating system changes have been required. The LACN uses a fiber-optic communications medium and provides extensive communications protocol support within the network, based on the ISO/OSI Model. The architecture is reconfigurable and expandable. This paper describes system architectural issues, the applications environment, and the local area network.
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003142:Communication; D006761:Hospitals; D007256:Information Systems; D008905:Minicomputers; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013672:Technology