medical computing

medical computing

The application of computers to clinical and administrative medicine. Software expert systems have been written that enable a computer to take a more detailed and accurate medical history than is possible with the time available to the average doctor. It has been found that patients will often communicate more freely with a computer than with a doctor. Computer programs now make a better job of interpreting electrocardiograms than most doctors. Expert diagnostic systems that learn by experience are beginning to rival the best doctors in accuracy. They also provide considerable help in selecting appropriate drugs and dosage. Computers have a major role to play in a wide range of medical administrative tasks. See also TELEMEDICINE.