This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Nordyke, R. A. Articles by Kulikowski, C. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Nordyke, R. A. Articles by Kulikowski, C. A.

An Informatics-based Chronic Disease Practice

Case Study of a 35-year Computer-based Longitudinal Record System

Affiliations of the authors: The Pacific Health Research Institute and the John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI (RAN); Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ (CAK).

Correspondence and reprint requests: Casimir A. Kulikowski, PhD, Department of Computer Science, Hill Center, Busch Campus, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903. e-mail: <kulikows{at}cs.rutgers.edu>.

Abstract The authors present the case study of a 35-year informatics-based single subspecialty practice for the management of patients with chronic thyroid disease. This extensive experience provides a paradigm for the organization of longitudinal medical information by integrating individual patient care with clinical research and education. The kernel of the process is a set of worksheets easily completed by the physician during the patient encounter. It is a structured medical record that has been computerized since 1972, enabling analysis of different groups of patients to answer questions about chronic conditions and the effects of therapeutic interventions. The recording process and resulting studies severe as an important vehicle for medical education about the nuances of clinical practice. The authors suggest ways in which computerized medical records can become an integral part of medical practice, rather than a luxury or novelty.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. Kush, L. Alschuler, R. Ruggeri, S. Cassells, N. Gupta, L. Bain, K. Claise, M. Shah, and M. Nahm Implementing Single Source: The STARBRITE Proof-of-Concept Study J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., September 1, 2007; 14(5): 662 - 673. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Urquhart and R. Currell Reviewing the evidence on nursing record systems Health Informatics Journal, March 1, 2005; 11(1): 33 - 44. [Abstract] [PDF]

				W. W. Stead It's the Information That's Important, Not the Technology J. Am. Med. Inform. Assoc., January 1, 1998; 5(1): 131 - 131. [Full Text]