Methods Inf Med 2002; 41(04): 313-320
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634388
Original article
Schattauer GmbH

The Index as a New Concept towards an Integrated Framework for the Electronic Patient Record

De E. Clercq
1   School of Public Health, Health System Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 07 July 2001

Accepted 05 April 2002

Publication Date:
07 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

Objective: To overcome some classical limitations of the POMR (Problem-Oriented Medical Record), including the management of divergent opinions between health professionals, in order to construct a common patient record across multiple disciplines in hospital settings and professional networks.

Methods: Using a complex clinical case, we improved a POMR model previously used by GPs in order to translate it into a hospital setting. The enhanced model has been assessed through use in various ongoing clinical cases and through extended discussion with professional end-users (physicians, nurses, general practitioners, and social workers).

Results: The Index concept (flexible structural link) is proposed as a major improvement in the construction of a POMR in a shared care environment.

Conclusions: The Index introduces interesting new perspectives. Following its implementation in the Belgian pilot site in the CORINES project, further studies remain to be carried out in order to develop a cost/benefit assessment.