Radiology, Vol 152, 297-300, Copyright © 1984 by Radiological Society of North America
A computer-based gastrointestinal information management system
PJ Feczko, LV Ackerman, RD Halpert and SM Simms
A clinical data base system was developed that integrates gastrointestinal
radiologic examinations, endoscopic studies, and pathologic diagnoses. An
interrogative language is used, so that data input occurs by response to a
series of relevant questions and answers that are constructed by the
clinical staff without programmer support. Data are stored in a
hierarchical, natural-language (noncoded) format, making them easily
understandable by all clinical groups. Since the computer system is
interactive, there are on-line capabilities for data input at various times
as well as for instantaneous retrieval of all data on a given patient.
Retrieval (search) of data uses Boolean logic, allowing for
intercorrelative studies among radiology, endoscopy, and pathology. Data
can then be isolated in files in which the computer can generate
demographic and statistical data by use of a series of programs. Both data
search and analysis can be accomplished without programming knowledge. Not
only are research functions served by the system, but educational functions
such as preparation of conferences and lectures, professional quality
assurance, and resident teaching through follow-up and missed-case review
can be performed.
