Twelve Rules for Effective Office Computerization

Abstract

Now that microcomputers have captured the attention of so many doctors, you may well be wondering, “How can I avoid making a mistake?” The purchase of a computer is always held to be the critical juncture in the automation of an office, but most people forget that the implementation of the system is just as important; an error in implementing the computer can lead to disastrous consequences once accounting or patient data are entrusted to the system. For these reasons, I would like to discuss some of the errors that are made in the selection and installation of a medical computer, along with some possible ways of preventing problems from arising. Some of the points I want to make also relate to management skills that are applicable to other areas of medical practice. Let’s approach the subject in a step-by-step manner, detailing the problems that can occur at each step, and summing up each point with a useful rule of thumb.