ABSTRACT
PAM/NET is a computerized data base and conferencing system used by nine neonatal
intensive care units in Michigan and Illinois. The system depends on the timesharing
resource of a large university mainframe computer. The data base functions are managed
by a sophisticated inverted file relational data base management system capable of
mass storage and rapid and specific retrieval of individual cases or summary data.
Data stored in the system are used to generate admission, discharge and developmental
assessment clinic summaries that serve as such for the medical record and as letters
to primary physicians. We report here the early experience in the design and dissemination
of this database network to the participating hospitals. Conflicting goals of sharing
and confidentiality of clinical data are addressed in the design of this system.
