Many doctors use computerized medical records.
Studies show that linking medical records with special electronic programs and reminders can help doctors order correct tests, medications, and procedures. It is not known, however, which type of computer system helps doctors the most in deciding which routine blood tests to order. To see which of two versions of a computer-based decision support system would have the greatest effect on the number of routine blood tests ordered by doctors. The study involved 44 medical practices and 60 doctors in the Netherlands. All practices used computerized medical records.