Computer Assistance in the Clinical Investigation of Pulmonary Function Studies^[*)]

A previously described comprehensive respiratory information system (CRIS) has been changed to introduce new spirometric tests which are sensitive to minor abnormalities, revise on the basis of additional data the regression equations which define normal values to various parameters of pulmonary function and refine the system’s interpretation scheme. The beneficial effects of transferring the system from a large IBM 360/65 to a small CDC 1700 are presented. An analysis of the costs of processing routine pulmonary function studies reveals that a 40°/o saving is realized when a computer is used in comparison to the use of the usual manual methods.

Ein früher beschriebenes umfassendes Informationssystem über den Respirationstrakt (CRIS) wurde geändert, um neue, schon kleinste Abweichungen anzeigende spirometrische Tests einzufügen, um auf der Grundlage zusätzlicher Daten die die korrigierten verschiedenen pulmonalen Funktionsparameter angebenden Regressionsgleichungen zu revidieren und um das Auswertungsschema des Systems zu verbessern. Die günstigen Effekte der Verlagerung des Systems von einer großen IBM 360/65 auf eine kleinere CDC 1700 werden dargestellt. Eine Kostenanalyse der Verarbeitung routinemäßiger pulmonaler Funktionsstudien läßt erkennen, daß durch die Verwendung des Computers im Vergleich zur Bearbeitung mit manuellen Methoden eine Einsparung von 40% erzielt wird.

Key-Words

Pulmonary Function Studies - Spirometry - Data Processing - Interpretation Costs

Schlüssel-Wörter

Lungenfunktionsstudien - Spirometrie - Datenverarbeitung - Auswertungskosten

^*) Reprint -requests to Dr. R. M. Cherniack, Respiratory Laboratory, Winnipeg General Hospital, Winnipeg/Canada.

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