Describes process by which a multiple-level collaborative database system was designed. Notes that by clearly elaborating the various design goals, it was possible to build a system through which ongoing program evaluation efforts could be easily managed without disrupting the service delivery process. (Author)

Presents the Israeli experience with merging different computerized files using a unique identifier. The advantages and disadvantages of this identifier are examined. Four types of problems are identified and some examples of use of an I.D. number as identifier are given. The desirability of merging files and confidentiality issues are also…

Conducted survey in 32 psychiatric facilities to determine the types and sources of information used in care review in order to develop a meaningful minimum data set for quality assurance purposes. Found that the adequacy of medical record information for review and the feasibility of automating it depended on the nature of the review task.…