Automation

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Abstract
Record-keeping in the provision of health and human services is extensive. The tedious tasks of filling out forms, updating Kardexes, and manual handling of interdepartmental information requires a magnitude of personnel time. Thus, computerized patient care information systems have been considered by many health and human sewice administrators in an effort to maximize utilization of persorinel resources and improve delivery of services. In fact, the Secretary's Commission on Nursing recently cited Ule use of computer technology as one of the Uuee best paths to easing the country's nursing shortage. Today's human service workers are faced with serious problems of (I) providing care to increasingly complex patients in a shorter period of time, (2) administrative pressures to improve producliviiy and quality, and (3) lack of immediates olution to the personnel shortage. The alternative, automation, can minimize resources required in record-keeping and facilitate communication amongst various departments/This discussion focuses on the role automation plays in improving care delivery and problems related to implementation are explained. Strategies for dealing with impediments to automation are outlined.

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