A simple programming system ("driver") for the creation and execution of an automated medical history

Generator program for computer-assisted instruction: MACGEN. A software tool for generating computer-assisted instructional texts

This publication describes MACGEN, an interactive development tool to assist teachers to create, modify and extend case simulations, tutorial exercises and multiple-choice question tests designed for computer-aided instruction. The menu-driven software provides full authoring facilities for text files in MACAID format by means of interactive editing. Authors are prompted for items which they might want to change whereas all user-independent items are provided automatically. Optional default values and explanatory messages are available with every prompt. Errors are corrected automatically or commented upon. Thus the program eliminates the need to familiarize with a new language or details of the text file structure. The options for modification of existing text files include display, renumbering of frames and a line-oriented editor. The resulting text files can be interpreted by the MACAID driver without further changes. The text file is held as ASCII records and as such is also accessible with many standard word-processing systems if desired.

The computer as an unbiased medical investigator. Experience on an active surgical service

An adaptable on-line computer system for entry, retrieval, and analysis of medical discharge summaries has been developed and applied in the Trauma Service of a busy city hospital. Each summary occupied 5 to 10 minutes of the physician's time and compared favorably in cost to the standard dictated summary. While the average dictated summary contained 15 +/- 7 relevant facts, the machine-generated summaries were found to have 53 +/- 20 relevant facts. The summaries are well organized, easily comprehensible, and a duplicate copy can be obtained at any time by using the patient's name or number for identification. To date, 495 discharge summaries have been entered and reside in the memory of the computer. Statistical analysis from the data base is done by the computer, thus eliminating human prejudice. It provides facility for rapid and accurate retrospective studies as well as pattern-of-care and individual case review.