WHY AND HOW TO ESTABLISH A COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR PSYCHIATRIC CASE RECORDS

Based on experience with successful implementation of an on-line compu terized psychiatric case record system in a psychiatric hospital in Is rael, the authors discuss the advantages of such systems and outline t he process of converting paper records to computerized records. Comput erized records can save time by automatically issuing routine reports, improve clinical practice, simplify quality assurance, and ease colle ction and analysis of data for research. The process of converting pap er records to computerized records can begin with analysis of the hosp ital's reporting requirements and creation and pilot testing of struct ured paper forms with a multiple-choice format that is eventually inco rporated into the computer program. The authors recommend an on-line c omputerized record system with direct input of data because such a sys tem can be used for case audits and can generate reports, treatment pl ans, and medication orders without removing records from circulation. Other advantages include the system's usefulness in electronic communi cation within and outside the hospital.