Developing trends in clinical computing.

Overview

With the emergence of personal computers and graphical interfaces during the 1980s, advanced computational power has at last become accessible and affordable for practising clinicians in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Many observers have accordingly noted the relatively low level of direct computer use by physicians in their practices. This paper summarises developing trends in clinical computing, emphasising the role of local and wide-access networks, the revolutionary potential of optical storage techniques, and the notion of integrated workstations that will bring a critical mass of diverse functions to the physician. An important lesson of this review is the current availability of most of the technologies needed for high-quality and acceptable clinical computing tools. The barriers to successful implementation tend to be logistical, financial, and political. Despite these obstacles, new technologies, coupled with educational efforts, should allow the computer to emerge as a crucial aid to clinicians in the decade ahead.