Many library data processing systems are unresponsive to the needs of librarians because of the necessity to batch-process transactions in a computer center. Such systems tend to be reportoriented rather than information-oriented with resultant problems in the timeliness of information. Time-shared computing permits multiple users to process jobs simultaneously through on-line interaction with the computer. Such systems offer to the librarian the advantages of immediate access to information, costs shared with other users, and direct man-machine interaction. This tutorial paper describes time-shared systems with applications in the library. Problems concerning the cost and present state-of-the-art of time-sharing are discussed.

Cataloging↗

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Monocular congenital cataracts: psychological effects of treatment.

Visual success in the treatment of monocular congenital cataracts requires early surgery, and aggressive, long-term amblyopia management and optical correction. These children will have their only normally seeing eye patched for a significant percentage of their early childhood years. We have been concerned about the possibility of an adverse psychological impact of this form of treatment. This study utilized two standardized testing instruments to evaluate the incidence of developmental delay and behavioral problems in children treated for monocular congenital cataracts. A total of 22 children were evaluated with one or both of these instruments and compared to a control group of 18 normal siblings. There was no statistically significant evidence of developmental delay or increased behavioral problems in the treatment group.

Amblyopia↗

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Information technology and the clinical laboratory. Agenda for the '90s.

The innovative use of information technology will be an essential response to the intense pressures and challenges health-care institutions face entering the final decade of the 20th century. Those pressures will affect the clinical laboratory and will result in significant use of improved information technology. The implications for laboratory management are significant. Changes in work methods, human resource needs, knowledge of information technology, and even laboratory organization will refocus the manager's attention. Routine, day-to-day activities that consumed the manager's attention will be handled automatically; long-range strategic planning, quests for productivity, and quality improvements will become more important and demanding. This article reviews current and evolving innovations in information technology and projects their impact on the clinical laboratory. Hardware, software, and communications technologies are examined. The effects on the laboratory, its manager, and the hospital are discussed.

Clinical Laboratory Information Systems↗

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Managing your micro. Taking your place in the PC revolution. The key to PC power: policy and planning.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Computers↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Managing information resources: a study of ten healthcare organizations.

This article presents the results of information technology management audits conducted by senior executives at ten healthcare organizations. The audits evaluated how well the following seven information technology management responsibilities were carried out: (1) strategic information systems planning; (2) employment of a user focus in system development; (3) recruiting of competent personnel; (4) information systems integration; (5) protection of information security and confidentiality; (6) employment of effective project management in system development; and (7) post-implementation evaluation of information systems. The audit results suggest that most of these responsibilities are being met to a considerable extent by a majority of the organizations studied. However, substantial variation across organizations was noted. Executives participating in the study were able to define areas in which the management of information resources in their organizations was in need of attention. The audit process encourages senior management to provide the leadership required to ensure that information technology is used to maximum advantage.

Computer Security↗

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Achieving clinical excellence.

Clinical excellence can be divided into three defining categories: procedures, systems, and communications. Six steps have been introduced to guide our journey. New systems will produce less stressful, more profitable dentistry, and with this commitment to clinical excellence, patient care will improve automatically. Evaluating our practices and making the necessary changes will bring significant rewards. In Designing the Future, Visions and Strategies, I state, "Maximum efficiency, profitability, and security, the rewards of business momentum, come only to those who start paddling early. To avoid dead water, we must view business strategies in the context of social, technological, and economic currents. It's the difference between actively engaging trends and being destroyed by them."

Clinical Competence↗