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A computerized system for the evaluation of community dental programs
Author(s) -
Leverett Dennis H.,
Handelman Stanley L.,
Iker Hdoward P.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1977.tb01629.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dentistry
This paper reports on a relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive computerized system for prospective evaluation of clinical dental programs from the point of view of effectiveness and efficiency. Availability of this system does away with some high start‐up costs. Three forms of input data, new case information, examination findings and operative procedure information, are regularly collected on data sheets and specially designed Port‐a‐punch® IBM cards. Easily interpreted output tables are generated monthly on such variables as completed cases according to treatment series and clinician, number of various procedures performed by clinicians, etc. Productivity is measured, in part, by application of monetary constants to procedure data. This paper describes the computer programs used, the cost of setting up and operating the system (which is within the budgetary constraints of most small, publicly funded programs) and the benefits that can be derived from the use of such a system. The system provides prompt feedback of relevant administrative data, thus allowing for relatively quick response to problems. Use of the system reduces clerical needs to a minimum and the program can easily be implemented on any except the very smallest digital computer.