CONCEPTS, COMPONENTS, AND CONFIGURATIONS
Microcomputer-Based Filing System For Emergency Medicine Literature John B. McCabe, MD Bonnie H. McCabe, MA Dayton, Ohio
A personal reprint file is an important educational tool for every physician. We have developed a microcomputer-based system for the filing of journal articles and reprints relevant to the practice of emergency medicine. The system uses a Northstar microcomputer, but could be adapted for use on other similar microcomputers. The filing system is easy to use and allows filing and retrieval of articles coded according to the subject outline of the Emergency Medicine Core ContenL McCabe JB, McCabe BH: Microcomputer-based filing system for emergency medicine literature. Ann Emerg Med 10:87-90, F.ebruary 1981.
emergency medicine, filing system, computerized; filing system, emergency medicine, computerized INTRODUCTION A personal reprint and journal article file is a helpful aid in the continuing education of any physician. For the emergency physician, such a file has particular importance. Because of the wide range of knowledge required, relevant literature may be found in a variety of journals rather than in one or two key publications. In addition, due to the newness of the specialty, there is a paucity of comprehensive, well-indexed material covering the field. A well-organized file can provide the means, and often the stimulus, for the investigation of unusual cases, for the improvement of personal knowledge, and for periodic review of relevant topics. Research activities can be simplified by easy access to pertinent literature. The preparation of lectures is also aided by such a file. This article describes a microcomputer-based filing system for reprints and journal articles related to emergency medicine. Articles are indexed using the Emergency Medicine Core Content. 1 REVIEW OF LITERATURE An editorial in Annals of Internal Medicine in 19672 described the need for a well-organized filing system, and acted as a stimulus for the publication of a number of articles describing such systems. Fuller, 3 in 1968, described a method developed and used by Dr. Maxwell Wintrobe. The system was based on a numbered index developed by the user from a standard textbook of medicine (and other relevant subspecialty textbooks). Reprints were labeled with an index number and then stored in a manila folder labeled with the same index number. The system had the advantage of being easy to set up and use, requiring a minimal amount of equipment. The index could be modified to suit individual needs. One major disadvantage was that articles could not easily be crossindexed. Gaeke and Gaeke, 4 in 1973, added a method for easy crossreferencing of articles. A similar method has recently been reviewed by Singer. ~ A slight modification, using the International Classification of Health Problems in Primary Care as an index, has been described for the family practitioner. 6 From the Department of Emergency Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio. Address for reprints: John B. McCabe, MD, 4795 Rexwood Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45439.
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Another alternative is the punch card filing system which has been reviewed by DeAlarc6n. 7 This allows easy crossreferencing, but involves more time and materials to maintain an up-to-date file. The need for a well-organized filing system in emergency medicine was first addressed in an article by Dailey, Goldberg, and Stewart s in 1973. These authors have since published an updated version of their original filing index. 9 A more recent, more complete outline of topics relevant to emergency medicine has been published as the Emergency
Components of a Microcomputer
Input/Output H Device(s)
-I Memo
Medicine Core Content.1 The computer is a powerful data storage and retrieval system available for the filing of reprints and journal articles. The MEDLINE system, in use by the National Library of Medicine, is a library aid well known to most physicians. Beckley and Bleich 1° have described an article storage system using a full-size computer with simultaneous access by a number of different users. A library computer search of the last 10 years reveals no articles describing microcomputer-based filing systems. A recent article in a computer hobby magazine, 11 however, has described such a system for the filing of radiology literature.
COMPUTER TERMINOLOGY The following brief description of pertinent computer terminology is presented as an aid to the reader unfamiliar with microcomputers. A number of easy-to-read references are suggested for further details. 1233 The components of a typical microcomputer are illustrated (Figure 1). Computer: An electronic machine which, by means of stored instructions and information, performs calculations or compiles, correlates, and selects data. Microcomputer: A computer of small physical size made possible by recent advances in the miniaturization of electronic components. Hardware: The physical components which make up a computer system. Software: A set of instructions (program) which cause the computer to perform a specific task or set of tasks. Input~Output Device(s): The method of getting information into and out of the computer (ie, cathode ray tube [CRT], printer, teletype keyboard, punched cards, card reader, etc).
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Control Unit
v
CPU
j-r_
Fig. 1. Components of microcomputer.
Components of Filing System EMLIB (Master Program)
ISRCHFILE
LIBRFILE
JNLFILE
KEYFILE Fig. 2. Components of filing system.
CPU: Central processing unit. That area of the computer in which arithmetic and logic operations are performed. Memory: The area of the computer system in which the program and data are stored. Information can be saved using floppy discs, magnetic tapes, punched cards, etc, when the computer is not in use. File: A list of specified information arranged in an orderly fashion in the memory of the computer. Ann Emerg Med
Hardware As currently described, the filing system uses a N o r t h s t a r Horizon computer with 64K of memory, dual floppy disc storage, and a Heathkit H-14 terminal. The addition of a printing device would add the capability of hard copy output for file searches. The program has been designed to run using this computer h a r d w a r e , a l t h o u g h modification could make it compatible with other
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Add entry to LIBRFILE: Allows addition of a new article to LIBRFILE. JRNRFILE is automatically updated, if needed, to show the addition of a new journal and/or issue. Delete entry from LIBRFILE: Allows an entry to be removed from the LIBRFILE. Change entry in LIBRFILE: Allows changes to be made in an entry filed in the LIBRFILE. Any component of the entry (article title, reference, or code numbers) can be changed. List LIBRFILE contents: The LIBRFILE may be displayed in its entirety, one article at a time. A single entry or group of entries also may be listed. Add entry to KEYFILE: Allows the entry of additional key words and phrases. Change entry in KEYFILE: Allows for change and/or deletion of entries in the KEYFILE. List KEYFILE contents: The KEYFILE is divided into 20 major categories and the contents of any of these categories may be listed. List JRNLFILE contents: Allows listing of all journals and issues from which articles have been indexed. Search: Allows search of the LIBRFILE using one or two key words or phrases. Relevant articles are then listed one at a time. Stop: Program termination. Fig. 3. Program functions available with E M L I B .
m i c r o c o m p u t e r s y s t e m s . T h e program is w r i t t e n in BASIC language.
Software The p r o g r a m c o n s i s t s of f i v e separate files (Figure 2). EMLIB contains the m a s t e r program. K E Y F I L E contains t h e k e y words or p h r a s e s and c o r r e s p o n d i n g code n u m b e r s used for indexing. Each key word or phrase is stored w i t h a six digit number. The first two d i g i t s d e s i g n a t e one of the major subdivisions of t h e Emergency Medicine Core Content. The l a s t f o u r d i g i t s i d e n t i f y t w o further s u b d i v i s i o n s of e a c h m a j o r category. J R N L F I L E stores the n a m e and i s s u e d a t e s of j o u r n a l s f r o m which a r t i c l e s h a v e b e e n i n d e x e d . LIBRFILE is the listing of all filed articles. E a c h e n t r y consists of t h e article title, j o u r n a l reference, and up to t h r e e code n u m b e r s . SRCHFILE is used for the t e m p o r a r y storage of a r t i c l e s from t h e L I B R F I L E during t h e s e a r c h p r o c e d u r e . T h e files are stored on two s e p a r a t e floppy discs. One disc contains the LIBRFILE, a n d t h e r e m a i n i n g files a r e stored on the second disc. W i t h s t a r t up of t h e s y s t e m , EMLIB is loaded into memory, and the user is provided w i t h a listing of the functions t h a t the p r o g r a m can perform. The user selects a particular function, and once t h a t function has been performed, the p r o g r a m returns to the m u l t i p l e e n t r y point j u s t described. T h e a v a i l a b l e f u n c t i o n s are listed (Figure 3). A sample r u n also is provided (Figure 4).
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ADVANTAGES T h e b i g g e s t a d v a n t a g e of t h i s system is the a b i l i t y to file a large n u m b e r of articles in an orderly and easily accessible m a n n e r . The system has proved v a l u a b l e in p a t i e n t care, teaching, and research. It is easy to use, and is no more t i m e - c o n s u m i n g t h a n other systems described earlier. The a v e r a g e t i m e to file the entire c o n t e n t s of a n i s s u e of A n n a l s o f Emergency Medicine is a p p r o x i m a t e ly 10 to 15 minutes. T h e r e is enough f l e x i b i l i t y in t h e s y s t e m t h a t k e y words or p h r a s e s can be modified to suit i n d i v i d u a l interests. The use of the Emergency Medicine Core Content h a s m a d e the syst e m p a r t i c u l a r l y w e l l s u i t e d to t h e s p e c i a l t y of e m e r g e n c y m e d i c i n e , a l t h o u g h an outline r e l a t i n g to a n y other specialty could easily be substituted. The a d v a n t a g e of crossreferencing filed articles using more t h a n one key word or p h r a s e is obvious.
DISADVANTAGES The most obvious d i s a d v a n t a g e is cost. The s y s t e m d e s c r i b e d r u n s on a m i c r o c o m p u t e r s y s t e m costing about $2,500. A s i m p l e r microcomput e r could be used, and these are now a v a i l a b l e in the $500 to $1,000 price r a n g e . T h e p r i c e of t h e c o m p u t e r h a r d w a r e can be offset s o m e w h a t if the microcomputer is used for other purposes in addition to filing. Some f a m i l i a r i t y with computers a n d computer programming is needed to maint a i n a n d : o p e r a t e t h e s y s t e m effectively. The d e g r e e of sophistication
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required will depend on the specifics of the hard,ware and software being used.
REFERENCES 1. Emergency Medicine Core Content. JACEP 8:34-41, 1979. 2. Where did I see that paper? (editorial) Ann Intern Med 67:459-460, 1967. 3. Fuller EA: A system for filing medical literature. Ann Intern Med 66:684-693, 1968. 4. Gaeke RF, Gaeke ME: Filing medical l i t e r a t u r e : a textbook i n t e g r a t e d approach. Ann Intern Med 78:985-987, 1973. 5. Singer K: Where did I see that article? JAMA 24:1492-1493, 1979. 6. Slocum HE: Personal medical reference files for family physicians. J Fam Prac 5:593-595, 1977. 7. DeAlarcSn R: A personal medical reference index. Lancet 1:301-305, 1969. 8. Dailey RH, Goldberg RM, Stewart RD: A reprint filing system for the emergency physician. JACEP 2:414-415, 1973. 9. Dailey RH: Updated reprint filing system for the emergency physician. JACEP 5:910-911, 1976. 10. Beckley RF, Bleich HL: Paper chase: a computer based reprint storage and retreival system. Computer and Biomedical Research 10:427-430, 1977. 11. Sanger JJ: The electronic librarian. Microcomputing 4:44-62, 1979. 12. Burden W Jr: How to Buy and Use Minicomputers and Microcomputers. Howard Sums and Co, Indianapolis, 1976. 13. Solomon L, Veit S: Getting Involved With Your Own Computer: A Guide for Beginners. Short Hills, New Jersey, Enslow Publishers, 1977.
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EMERGENCY MEDICINE FILING SYSTEM There are currently 75 articles on file in the library system. Type in the number corresponding to the function you would like to use: 1. Add an entry to LIBRFILE. 2. Delete an entry from LIBRFILE. 3. Change an entry in LIBRFILE. 4. List LIBRFILE contents. 5. Add entry to KEYFILE. 6. Change entry in KEYFILE. 7. List KEYFILE contents. 8. List JRNLFILE contents. 9. Search. 10. Stop. ? 1 Is the article from a journal issue which has been indexed from in the past? ? yes Type in the title of the article. Use of the Tilt Test in Measuring Acute Blood Loss. Type in the journal reference. Ann Emerg Med 9:2,72 Feb 80 Up to three key words or phrases may be used to index the article. Type in the code numbers for this article. If you wish to use less than three code numbers, type 999999 after the last code number is entered. ? 130803 Cardiovascular Disorders Shock Hypovolemic ? 180101 Hematopoietic Disorders Anemia Blood Loss ? 999999 Type in the number corresponding to the function you would like to use: 1. Add an entry to LIBRFILE. 2. Delete an entry from LIBRFILE, 3. Change an entry in LIBRFILE. 4. List LIBRFILE contents. 5. Add entry to KEYFILE. 6. Change entry in KEYFILE. 7. List KEYFILE contents, 8. List JRNLFILE contents. 9. Search. 10. Stop. ?7 The KEYFILE is divided into 20 major categories. Type in the number corresponding to the category you would like to see displayed. 1. Principles of emergency care. 2. Abdominal/gastrointestinal disorders. 3. Cardiovascular disorders. 4. Cutaneous disorders. 5. Disorders due to antigens or foreign substances. 6. Disorders caused by biologic agents. 7. Chemical intoxication, overdose. 8. Hematopoietic disorders. 9. Hormonai, metabolic, nutritional disorders. 10. Head and neck disorders, 11. Infancy and childhood disorders. 12. Musculoskeletal disorders. 13. Nervous system disorders. 14. Psychological disorders. 15. Thoracic - - Respiratory disorders. 16. Urogenital disorders. 17. Emergency department administration. 18. Emergency medical services. 19. Physician/patient skills, 20. Manipulative/procedural skills.
?8 180000 180100 180101 180102 180103 180200 180300 180301 180302 180303 180304 180400
Hematopoietic Disorders Anemia Blood Loss Hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell disease/ others) Nutritional Leukemia/Lymphoma/Myeloma Coagulopathies Hemophilia A and B Hypofibrinogenemia Hypoprothrombinemia Platelet deficiency/dysfunction Transfusions (indications/complications)
Would you like to see another category displayed? ? no Type in the number corresponding to the function you would like to use: 1. Add an entry to LIBRFILE. 2. Delete an entry from LIBRFILE. 3. Change an entry in LIBRFILE. 4. List LIBRFILE contents. 5. Add entry to KEYFILE. 6. Change entry in KEYFILE. 7. List KEYFILE contents. 8. List JRNLFILE contents. 9. Search. 10. Stop. ?8 There are currently two journals on file. Journal #1 Annals of Emergency Medicine. Earliest issue indexed: January 1980 Most recent issue indexed: April 1980 Journal #2 JAMA Earliest issue indexed: 1/1/80 Most recent issue indexed: 4/1/80 Type in the number corresponding to the function you would like to use: 1. Add entry to LIBRFILE. 2. Delete an entry from LIBRFILE. 3. Change an entry in LIBRFILE. 4. List LIBRFILE contents. 5. Add entry to KEYFILE. 6. Change entry to KEYFILE. 7. List KEYFILE contents. 8. List JRNLFILE contents. 9. Search. 10. Stop.
?9 The search can be done using one or two code numbers as references. Type in the number of different code numbers to be used in the search. ?2 Type in the first code number. ? 130803 There are three articles with this code number. Type in the second code number to be used. ? 180101 The following articles are stored with the above code numbers: 1.) Use of the Tilt Test in Measuring Acute Blood Loss. Ann Emerg Med 9:2,72 Feb 80 End of Search.
Fig. 4. Sample run (user input is italicized). 34/90
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