A clinical case study: moving toward an automated patient record.

Automation of patient records is a concept that has slowly evolved into practical application during the last decade within the health care environment. Although limited progress has been made as far as standardizing automated record content and data exchange industrywide, we can be encouraged by individual hospital progress as illustrated by the Washington Hospital. This organization was successful in visualizing its goal, thoroughly planning its strategy, involving key players in the design, and following a methodical, purposely slow implementation plan to ensure system success. Benefits, both financial and intangible, have been achieved and recognized both within the organization and by those facilities that have been privy to its success first hand. Facilities contemplating automation of their patient record can be encouraged by Washington's example and the relentless pursuit of its vision for the automated patient record.