Development of a MUMPS-based anticoagulant management system.

A computerised anticoagulant management system written in Digital Standard MUMPS, and incorporated into an ACT Medisys Computer Integrated Laboratory Management System (CILMS), has been developed. The system will automatically adjust and prescribe warfarin dosage for selected patients and set clinic appointments based upon defined criteria. Other significant features include printed patient dosage cards, cumulative worksheets for clinicians, clinic and transport lists, statistical searches, rapid enquiry facilities and operator alerts. After 20 months of successful running, a system has evolved which has greatly improved the efficiency of the anticoagulant clinic and the quality of anticoagulant control. Significant savings have been made in medical staff time, patient waiting times have been greatly reduced and the stability of warfarin control has increased. The service has more recently been extended to patients controlled by their general practitioners, with all the associated benefits.