Abstract
INFORM is a highly flexible data base management system, which rapidly and efficiently permits the organization and preparation of a data base. It then provides options for adding, searching, and tabulating information. Depending on the complexity of a new system, it may be ready for use in just a few hours. Additions to the data base are carefully edited and many options are available for entering information, including an audit trail.
INFORM is particularly suited to situations where the exact content and magnitude of patient records are subject to modifications over time. The Master record in INFORM may include patient identifying information as well as fields that summarize visits or other events, which appear in detail in other subfiles of the system. The subfile records may contain information about patient care and laboratory events and are automatically linked to the corresponding master summary record. Fields may be transferred from the subsidiary records to the master record, or counters in the master records may be incremented as information is added to the subfiles. For example, the master may contain a counter for the number of hematology tests carried out, as well as fields which are updated as new hematology results are reported. Consequently, the master may contain counts of the number of determinations, as well as the last white blood count, hematocrit or hemoglobin, and differential, if so desired.
INFORM has been used for a pediatric medical records system, a prenatal clinic, a demonstration child abuse registry as well as other projects. Its application to an Ambulatory Care visit summary system is discussed and illustrated.
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