The index as a new concept towards an integrated framework for the electronic patient record.
OBJECTIVE
To overcome some classical limitations of the POMR (Problem-Oriented Medical Record), including the management of divergent opinions between health professionals, in order to construct a common patient record across multiple disciplines in hospital settings and professional networks.


METHODS
Using a complex clinical case, we improved a POMR model previously used by GPs in order to translate it into a hospital setting. The enhanced model has been assessed through use in various ongoing clinical cases and through extended discussion with professional end-users (physicians, nurses, general practitioners, and social workers).


RESULTS
The Index concept (flexible structural link) is proposed as a major improvement in the construction of a POMR in a shared care environment.


CONCLUSIONS
The Index introduces interesting new perspectives. Following its implementation in the Belgian pilot site in the CORINES project, further studies remain to be carried out in order to develop a cost/benefit assessment.
De Clercq
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School of Public Health, Health System Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium. declercq@sesa.ucl.ac.be
D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000379:methods*; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000592:standards*; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented / Q000592:standards*; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000592:standards; D011787:Quality of Health Care