Computers in medicine: augmenting medical care in pediatric patients with chronic illnesses

Article Abstract:

Computers have been used in medicine for many years. The use of a personal computer to aid direct patient care in a group of chronically ill children is described. A Macintosh Plus computer (Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA) was used with the Filemaker II (Claris Corp, Mountain View, CA) software package to chronicle the patient care of children with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, head injury and spinal cord injury. This program is helpful in transferring information regarding a multitude of problems to other healthcare practitioners (psychologists, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, etc.) involved in the patient's care. In addition to basic patient information, the program processes information regarding medical evaluations, physical examinations, clinic recommendations and laboratory test results. Additional fields can be added as more medical complications arise. Standardized forms allow the practitioner to make sure all necessary information is obtained. This reduces repetition, tedious chart reviews, chart unavailability and duplication of tests. When the child is hospitalized, a copy of this record can be reproduced to add to the hospital record. Telephone conversations with parents can be documented. The database can be used as a reference and research tool. Sensitive or confidential information can be hidden during general retrieval of information. The use of personal computers is a helpful tool in the care and treatment of pediatric patients. Although it is difficult to assess the impact computers will have on the overall healthcare of children, it no doubt saves valuable time, and this should permit more quality time for direct patient care. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Software, Chronically ill children, Child health services, Apple Macintosh Plus (Microcomputer), FileMaker II (Data base management system)

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Dot.com tots

Article Abstract:

An examination of the benefits of computer usage by children even before they attend preschool is presented. Parental control is important in determining potential and setting limits.

Behavior, Children, Information services, Infants

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Risk taking, revisited

Article Abstract:

A parent became convinced that a parent's job is not to teach a child to take risks but to protect the child until the child chooses on its own to take risks.

Analysis, Personal narratives, Parenting, Risk-taking (Psychology), Risk taking

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