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PubMed · 10165813

The microprocessor and medicine.

M Ruffin
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Abstract

Technology continues to accelerate at an amazing pace. Where have we been, where are we going, and what do these technology enhancements mean to the health care industry? We are entering the era of the personal computer becoming the window to the multimedia digital world of cyberspace. Microprocessors will continue to improve from one generation to the next to make cyberspace as realistic as possible-and with their improving capabilities will come myriad applications for health care services, either not cost-effective, or not even contemplated, until now. As a leader of an organization, one who approves substantial budgets for information technology, you must ask yourself what new products and services these startling technological advances will create. How will they change health and medical care?

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Computer Communication NetworksComputer SystemsContract ServicesMedical Laboratory ScienceMicrocomputersPractice Management, MedicalSemiconductorsTelemedicineUnited StatesUser-Computer InterfaceJournal Article

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M Ruffin. 1997. The microprocessor and medicine.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10165813/

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NHSnet in Scottish primary care: lessons for the future.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the primary care communications initiative, which introduced NHSnet to primary care in Scotland. DESIGN: Semi-structured telephone interviews, postal questionnaire. SETTING: All 15 Scottish health boards, random sample of 1 in 3 of all Scottish general practices. PARTICIPANTS: Information management and technology managers of health boards, 355 practice managers in the general practices. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Variations between health boards in styles of project management, means of connection to NHSnet, costs to general practices, and training provided. Practices' levels of participation in initiative, initial use of NHSnet, and factors acting as incentives and disincentives to use of NHSnet. RESULTS: 99% of Scottish general practices agreed to participate in initiative. Health boards varied significantly in project management styles (from minimal to total control), the nature of the networks they established (intranets or direct connections), costs to practices (from nothing to pound125 per general practitioner per year), and training provided (from none to an extensive programme). In 56% of practices someone accessed NHSnet at least once a week. Practices varied considerably in amount of internet training received and staff groups targeted and in the intention to provide desktop access to NHSnet through a practice network. CONCLUSION: The initiative has successfully introduced a network that links Scottish general practices, health boards, and hospital trusts. However local variation in this "national" initiative may affect its use in primary care. Health authorities and general practices in England and Wales may wish to note these findings in order to avoid unhelpful variation.

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