Survey of computerized obstetric information systems in Austria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate obstetric electronic data processing (EDP) in Austria and to analyse its problems, advantages and acceptance in a single big obstetric department. We sent questionnaires to every obstetric department in the country. The overall response rate was 77% (73 departments). Only 24 (33%) were using computer aided documentation, but these covered 63% of deliveries in Austria. The proportionate times spent on documentation were 57% for physicians and 43% for midwives, with physicians playing a bigger role in larger departments using electronic documentation. Sixty-five percent of physicians and 31% of midwives readily accepted computerization. We also studied an obstetric department with over 3000 births per year. Twenty-five percent of the medical staff did not believe that computerization saved time, although they appreciated its value to administration and for producing printouts. Advantages in completeness (92%) and accuracy (76%) were recognized. After 6 month's use acceptance of EDP documentation improved significantly.

Electronic Health Records: Then, Now, and in the Future

“…While not widespread, new applications and functionalities were being developed and used. For example, physicians began to use electronic documentation but many did not believe that computerization saved time, although they appreciated its value for administrative functions and for producing printouts [28]. Networks of microcomputer workstations were used to write all inpatient orders linked to an EHR.…”