Abstract
This paper concerns one aspect of the work of the Office of Operations Analysis and Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital, namely, its efforts to help meet some of the institution's information needs. A general background is outlined on the development of data processing in hospitals, and on their current needs and problems. The two major computing facilities at the hospital are described. Examples are provided of the contributions of the Office of Operations Analysis and Research in: 1) experimenting with ambulatory care information systems; 2) accessing and preparing analyses from existing data; 3) participating in information systems revision. The ‘computer ombudsman’ roles of this office, some of which are shared with other departments in the medical center, are reviewed.
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