Using old technology to implement modern computer-aided decision support for primary diabetes care.
BACKGROUND
Implementation rates of interventions known to be beneficial for people with diabetes mellitus are often suboptimal. Computer-aided decision support systems (CDSSs) can improve these rates. The complexity of establishing a fully integrated electronic medical record that provides decision support, however, often prevents their use.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a CDSS for diabetes care that can be easily introduced into primary care settings and diabetes clinics. THE SYSTEM: The CDSS uses fax-machine-based optical character recognition software for acquiring patient information. Simple, 1-page paper forms, completed by patients or health practitioners, are faxed to a central location. The information is interpreted and recorded in a database. This initiates a routine that matches the information against a knowledge base so that patient-specific recommendations can be generated. These are formatted and faxed back within 4-5 minutes.


METHODS
The system is being introduced into 2 diabetes clinics. We are collecting information on frequency of use of the system, as well as satisfaction with the information provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Computer-aided decision support can be provided in any setting with a fax machine, without the need for integrated electronic medical records or computerized data-collection devices.
Hunt
D L
DL
Health Information Research Unit, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Haynes
R B
RB
Morgan
D
D
D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000628:therapy*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016636:Telefacsimile