The evolution from classical genetics to biotechnology, an area of research involving key macromolecules in living cells, is chronicled and the current state of biotechnology is described, noting related advances in computing and clinical medicine. (MSE)

Computer-based problem-solving examinations in immunology generate graphic representations of students' search paths, allowing evaluation of how organized and focused their knowledge is, how well their organization relates to critical concepts in immunology, where major misconceptions exist, and whether proper knowledge links exist between content…

The newly incorporated Computer-Based Patient Record Institute (CPRI) is discussed in the context of the history of medical records, the need for change (mainly because of health care reimbursement and regulation), and the need for involvement by all medical professionals in the development of standards of data collection which reflect public…

A study using microcomputer algorithms for more efficient management of six common pediatric care problems found improvements in all performance measures with computer algorithm use. However, use was discontinued after five weeks because the six physicians perceived the algorithms as too tedious for routine care. (Author/MSE)

Selection data for all Medical University of South Carolina anesthesiology residency applicants (about 200 per year) and the 8 selected per year were compared for 4 years. Results showed standardized test scores, grades, and class ranks of those selected were not higher than of others, but interview and recommendation scores were higher.…

Directors (n=469) participating in the National Resident Matching Program and responding to a survey felt the selection process distorted the senior year for medical students. They supported development of a centralized residency application service with electronic transmission of data. (DB)

Since its introduction in the late 1970s, the videodisc was plagued with difficulties until attention shifted to its educational role and equipment for more reliable computer control and better authoring programs became available. The videodisc has since enjoyed rebirth as an educational tool, with noteworthy applications and development efforts…

A study involving 14 experienced physicians investigated the effectiveness of a computer program (providing statistical feedback to teach a clinical diagnostic rule that predicts the probability of streptococcal pharyngitis), in conjunction with traditional lecture and periodic disease-prevalence reports. Results suggest the integrated method is a…

Few commonly available, successful computer-based tools exist in medical informatics. Faculty expertise can be included in computer-based medical information systems. Computers allow dynamic recombination of knowledge to answer questions unanswerable with print textbooks. Such systems can also create stronger ties between academic and clinical…

An analysis of the state of medical informatics, the application of computer and information technology to biomedicine, looks at trends and concerns, including integration of traditionally distinct enterprises (clinical information systems, financial information, scholarly support activities, infrastructures); informatics career choice and…

Information technology can enhance clinical teaching in medicine by increasing the amount of relevant information available to learners, promoting rapid integration of information into the teaching encounter, facilitating information processing in small groups, and helping compensate for discontinuities inherent in the current clinical teaching…

Data needs for recruitment and retention records, especially for minority students, and their uses in administering and evaluating programs are discussed. The model presented, based on a system at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, provides a framework for microcomputer data files, record fields, relationships, and system…

A study used computer analysis to examine distribution of basic science content in the 53 cases in the problem-based medical curriculum of Rush Medical College (Illinois) and compared it to application of that content by students and faculty. The method of analysis is recommended for reviewing curricula for omissions and redundancy. (Author/MSE)

Implementation of an electronic-mail track as one option within a four-year medical humanities curriculum was seen by participating students as more educational than lectures, "live" group discussions, problem-based exercises, and formal papers. Participants made gains in computer literacy, critical thinking about ethical and social…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on administrative issues: delays, costs, disruption of work routine and behavior, and the need to bring in a senior management team. Recommendations are made for institutions with similar…