Physician-centered computers for storage and retrieval of clinical data.

Computer systems which can replace the paper hospital patient chart have been discussed for many years. Several products now on the market automate data handling for hospital administrators and nursing staff. Today, the components for "physician-centered" systems are available to meet information handling needs during the patient encounter. Each physician would be equipped with his own highly portable computer customized to meet his requirements without keyboard input. The Linus "Write-Top" is one example of existing technology which comes close to meeting many of the specifications for such a system.