title: Using computerised patient-alert system.
abstract: SThe information technology systems used in most modern emergency departments alert staff to patients who require special management, including those with infections or histories of violence, or children on the child protection register. These systems can improve care for patients, protect staff and prevent infection, although their benefits must be weighed against the risks involved in storing sensitive data on computers. It is essential, therefore, that such systems are professionally maintained and updated. This article reports how one UK emergency department uses a computerised alert system to improve patient care.
authors.affiliation: Princess Royal Hospital emergency department, Telford, Shropshire. robfenwickrn@googlemail.com
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fenwick
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leaman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010355:Patient Identification Systems; D012042:Registries; D014218:Triage / Q000379:methods*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data