Product Description
This comprehensive survey of the interconnections of IT and health care is the only up-to-date book that teaches computer literacy AND introduces readers to the uses of information technology in health care and its delivery. Familiarizes readers with the basic vocabulary and concepts necessary to computer literacy—including discussions of hardware and software, communications and networking, and ethical issues and privacy concerns introduced by the pervasiveness of computers in society. In addition, it discusses how IT is transforming every aspect of health care and its delivery—from administrative applications (such as the electronic medical record), to clinical systems involved in direct patient care, to special- purpose applications (such as simulation software used in the education of health care professionals). Section I provides a general introduction to computer literacy and information technology— at a level appropriate for health care students. Section II examines the impact of Information Technology on health care— specifically in the fields of radiology, telemedicine, surgery, medical devices, pharmacy, and informational resources.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 2.0 based on 2 reviews)

Very Superficial

This is a very simple introduction to computers in medicine geared to an undergraduate student who knows how to turn a computer on, and not much more. It does deal with information technology, but at such a superficial level as to be useless to anyone already in medicine. Indeed at a couple of points in the text it addresses the reader as "future healthcare professional". If you are a current healthcare professional trying to bring medicine into the 21st century, this book is not for you. It will not help you understand EHR's, e-prescribing, networks or true security concerns.
June 06, 2005

At best, a cursory exploration of the issue

Burke and Weill are correct that information technology is a highly pervasive and important issue that will change the face of health care in the next few years. It already has. As a health care professional in the technology area, I have seen great strides (and blunders) in the area of computers and health care.

It is hard, however, to understand Burke and Weill's intent of writing this book. It is thin and addresses the mere surface of each issue. I suppose it is for people who are entirely computer illiterate - I mean, it describes what a keyboard is, what a mouse does, and a brief definition of the Internet. If people don't already know about these then why explain health informatics and MRI scanners? More information could have been put in the book if more knowledge had been assumed; if the health professional does not have this knowledge, then they need to take some more basic courses. This book, in trying to start with the ultra-simple, then moving to the incredibly complex issue of digital imaging in just over 200 pages, it renders itself almost useless.

On a positive note, the chapter on computers in surgery was helpful and somewhat well done, given the meager space it was given. The best aspect of the book was the darkened "In the News" sections.

I would suggest books on Health Informatics and Medical Imaging (after getting a hold on computer basics) rather than purchase this book.
April 20, 2001

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Introduction to Health Care
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Medical Law and Ethics (2nd Edition)
by Bonnie F. Fremgen

Electronic Health Records: A Practical Guide for Professional and Organizations, 3rd Edition
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Social Policy and Social Programs: A Method for the Practical Public Policy Analyst (4th Edition)
by Donald E. Chambers, Kenneth R. Wedel

Handbook of Informatics for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals (4th Edition)
by Toni Lee Hebda, Patricia Czar