title: Metadata and computer-based patient records.
abstract: "Metadata" is the fundamental set of items in the organization of health-care information, at least in computer-based patient records. Computer-based patient records remain controversial, and thus, to a considerable extent, the truth of all assertions about these areas remains a matter of opinion. A set of opinions generated during 5 years of exclusive and intense work is presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama Health Services Foundation, 35294-0007, USA.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kirklin
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Vicinanza
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000458:organization & administration*