The CCC system in two teaching hospitals: a progress report

Computing systems developed by the Center for Clinical Computing (CCC) have been in operation in Beth Israel and Brigham and Women’s hospitals for over 10 years. Designed to be of direct benefit to doctors, nurses, and other clinicians in the care of their patients, the CCC systems give the results of diagnostic studies immediately upon request; offer access to the medical literature: give advice, consultation, alerts, and reminders; assist in the day-to-day practice of medicine, and participate directly in the education of medical students and house officers. The CCC systems are extensively used, even by physicians who are under no obligation to use them. Studies have shown that the systems are well received and that they help clinicians improve the quality of patient care. In addition, the CCC systems have had a beneficial impact on the finances of the two hospitals, and they have cost less than what many hospitals spend for financial computing alone.