How computers help make efficient use of consultations -- Sullivan and Wyatt 331 (7523): 1010 -- BMJ

How computers help make efficient use of consultations -- Sullivan and Wyatt 331 (7523): 1010 -- BMJ: "Efficient consultations deal with patients' problems promptly and effectively while taking into account other relevant circumstances. Sometimes the relevant circumstance is another health problem in the patient or their family, or it could be an issue affecting society at large, such as resource constraints. The immediate role of the team caring for Patrick Murphy (see box opposite) is to deal with his severe asthma.
To do so the team needs information on the current problem, which is quickly obtained from Patrick's mother (who accompanied him in the ambulance) and background details from her or from his medical records. They also need to assess Patrick's physical status using clinical examination and other diagnostic methods. The information obtained enables the clinicians caring for Patrick to take the most effective management steps. In the longer term, data from the consultation may be used to redesign the service locally, or at the level . . . [Full text of this article]"