Thirty years of computer-based clinical documentation at Heidelberg University Orthopaedic Clinic. From basic documentation to medical controlling

An overview of the 30 years history and developement of documentation and i nformation systems in the Orthopedic University Hospital Heidelberg is pres ented. Since the foundation in 1967 four developmental phases can be descri bed: first initiatives of medical doctors, establishment of a basic documen tation system for scientific purposes, strategic information system plannin g and realisation of information systems with the possibility of controllin g in medical areas and thereby steering of the services. Planning and reali sation were accomplished within the framework of the masterplans and concep ts of the university clinics of the state of Baden-Wurttemberg.