Abstract
Data obtained from clinical encounters can be harnessed with the power and innovation of information technology (IT). This chapter describes the genesis and evolution of an electronic medical record (EMR) system at the Endocrine and Diabetes Centre. The clinical and biochemical data were captured, and rule-based methods implement to provide calculated values, diagnoses, lifestyle advice and diet prescription. The reliability of the system is established by its being in continual use for nearly 30 years containing data on more than 80,000 subjects with endocrine diseases including diabetes. The authors propose ways in which the existing system can be further developed with additional features.
TopBackground
Conventionally, clinical medicine deals with data, obtained as non-linear, non-digital form. Paper medical records formed the bedrock for much of initial clinical research and progress. Despite their advantages re-use of data is not practical (Sridhar GR, Rao AA, 2009).
However in the management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypertension and coronary artery disease, a collaboration between the health care team and the patient is essential, with the patient sharing responsibility in self-care, outside of the physician’s office. The rapid applicability of IT allows a practical means to do so. In addition newer digital technologies result in generation of large amount of data, which must be analyzed and used appropriately (Cahn A Akirov A& Raz I. 2017). EMR system has the many advantages of storing nearly unlimited data, with the ability to access, analyze and present it in a format that is easy to interpret, along with providing accurate and legible notes which can track the individual’s lifetime of health status, medicine use, laboratory results, images from many sources, transferable across locations. They also provide clinical guidelines, flag abnormal results, remind tests to be done, and reduce medication errors (Sridhar GR, Rao AA et al 2009). In addition newer technologies allow remote consultation with physicians, electronic prescription and drug delivery along with feedback about medicine use (Poon EG et al 2006).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Proteomics: Study of structure of proteins, which are produced as a result of the directions given by the genes.
Endocrine: Related to chemical secretions called hormones that serve as messengers to neighboring or far off cells.
Diabetes: A disease in which the body does not have enough of the hormone insulin.
Genomics: Relating to the study of genes, which essentially direct the function of cells in the body’s cells.
Symptom: The complaints made by the patient as a result of her illness.
Signs: The findings observed or elicited by the physician in a sick person.