Computer Medical Databases : The First Six Decades (1950-2010) Paperback

Morris F. Collen

Chapter 1 offers an overview of the basic computer technology. Each succeeding chapter, describes the problems in medicine, followed by a review in chronological sequence of why and how computers were applied to try to meet these problems. Only the technical aspects of computer hardware, software, and communications are discussed as they are necessary to explain how the technology was applied. This approach generally led to defining the objectives for applications of medical informatics. At the end of each chapter, the author summarizes his personal views and interpretations of the chapter contents. Although the concurrent evolution of medical informatics in Canada, Europe, and Japan certainly influenced workers in the United States, the scope of this historical review is limited to the development of medical informatics within the United States. Furthermore, this review is limited to electronic digital computers; it excludes mechanical, analog, and hybrid computers.

1447127048

9781447127048

English

Springer London Ltd

28 Nov 2013

288

This volume in the Health Informatics Series traces the history of medical databases from 1950 to 2010. ... will be useful to librarians, educators, clinicians, and researchers working in a variety of medical settings. ... The book includes both a subject index and author index. As the author is considered by many to be the 'father of medical informatics,' this book offers a logical and solid historical framework and unique viewpoint for understanding and appreciating the enormous strides that were made in that 60-year span. (Elizabeth Connor, Doody's Review Service, June, 2012)