A study of the paper chart and its potential for computerization.

The traditional paper chart is an expensive and inefficient method of managing the mountains of information gathered about each patient admitted to the hospital. Greater efficiency can be obtained through the use of computerized systems of documentation that facilitate the rapid processing of information and make that information immediately available to care providers. A systematic analysis of the medical record at the Medical Center at Princeton provided valuable information to determine the outcome potential of a computerized documentation system.