The efficiency of preoperative evaluation: a comparison of computerized and paper recording systems.
OBJECTIVE
We designed and implemented a preoperative evaluation record system with seven networked computers for use by physicians and other medical staff. This study compared the efficiency of the new computerized system with that of the paper system.


METHODS
We reviewed data from preoperative evaluations completed from November 1990 through December 1992. Data were analyzed automatically (Borland C program) for two intervals: (1) the waiting period, defined as the time the patient entered the waiting room until he or she entered the examination room; and (2) the examination period, defined as the time the patient entered the examination room until an evaluation form was printed. Data were obtained for 2,511 evaluations on paper and 8,342 by computer.


RESULTS
The average waiting period with the paper system was 56.1 +/- 44.8 min; the average waiting period with the computerized system was 59.1 +/- 47.0 min. The average examination period was nearly identical for both systems: 27.5 +/- 23.6 min for the paper system; 28.5 +/- 22.7 min for the computerized system.


CONCLUSIONS
The computerized system required no more examination time than the manual system. In addition, we speculate that time is saved at other points of patient care by the legible, instantly retrievable preoperative evaluations that the computerized system produces.
Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0254.
K I
KI
Jackson
G L
GL
Gibby
J J
JJ
van der Aa
A A
AA
Arroyo
J S
JS
Gravenstein
D006751:Hospital Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative