Book Review: Computers in Clinical Practice

Florida Family Physician
January 1996 / Volume 46 / Number 1

In his introduction, Dr. Osheroff states his threefold purpose: explain the benefits of information technology, familiarize the reader with available software, and assist the reader with implementation. He extends this framework to each of the ten chapters. The book is well laid out with numerous illustrations, screen shots, and tables comparing the products discussed. Topics include:

• Practice Management
• Electronic Medical Records
• Literature Management
• Diagnostic and Theraputic Decision Support
• Patient and Continuing Education
• Telecommunications, Email, and the Internet
• CD-ROM Information Retrieval
• Portable Computing Devices

In addition to these, there is a chapter on computer basics, a glossary, and a detailed appendix listing other information resources. While not comprehensive, most categories are covered in adequate detail. I was disappointed that the vastness of the World Wide Web is presented in less than a page (in fact, it is not even listed in the index). The discussion of portable computers dwells too long on hardware. A comparison of specialized software available for each device would be helpful. Notably absent are teleconferencing, telemedicine, and wireless communication networks.

Computers in Clinical Practice has something to offer anyone looking for productive ways to use computers in health care. Written for the non-technical reader, this book is a valuable introduction to applied informatics. It should find a wide audience.

Reference

1) Shortliffe, EH; Perrault, L; Widerhold, G; Fagen, LM. Medical Informatics: Computer Applications in Health Care. Addison-Wesley. 1990