[Information system in ophthalmology].

BACKGROUND

Rapid advances in digital imaging technology that characterised the early part of the 21 (st) century have caused modern hospital information systems (HIS) to face a big challenge. One of the key goals of their reorganisation is integration based on open standards in order to achieve optimal interoperability.

METHODS

At the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Clinical Centre Maribor, we have set up an intranet integrating a variety of diagnostic procedures into a single network. All workstations are connected to a dedicated data server, which represents the core of the network. The system is compatible with the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard and ready for future integration with hospital information systems over the HL 7 (Health Level 7) protocol.

RESULTS

With the integration of different systems we have achieved the availability of all administrative, clinical and photo documentation for each patient on every workstation. This kind of system enables numerous connections within different diagnostic units and workstations, which is most distinctive during the diagnostic work-up of complex clinical cases.

CONCLUSIONS

At our department integration of different diagnostic units into one ophthalmology information system proved to be a helpful tool regarding patient care during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and at the same time represents a reduction of burdens for the medical staff.