title: Developing and implementing a user-driven departmental database system--implications for the Royal College of Radiologists' COIN proposal.
abstract: With the increasing availability of computers, more departments are using word processors in place of typewriters. In the course of typing patient discharge summaries and letters, a large amount of information of potential use for audit or research purposes is entered into the computer but in a form inaccessible for analysis. We have developed a data-base system, based on information entered by departmental staff in the course of their work, rather than by designated data managers. The aim of the system is to replace word-processed clinical summaries. We describe the design, implementation and possible advantages and disadvantages of such a system and implications for the COIN proposal of the Royal College of Radiologists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Oncology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carrington-Johnson
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McKenzie
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003199:Computer Systems; D003628:Database Management Systems; D004358:Drug Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012984:Software; D015443:Word Processing