Access software appropriate choice for simple database needs for d

[Premo516]

I work for a large Dr's office and the MD is interested in putting all of his
patient's files into a database on his computers, so that when a patient
comes into the office - the MD's or staff can update and enter the patients
info in a forms based application on the computer and stored in a database.
There are 5 computers in this office and the doctor plans on entering about
300-500 patients into the database. The doctor wants all of this information
to be updated no matter which computer it is entered in - so I am assuming
that a server would be required so the database can be hosted on the server
and the patient's chart would be available no matter which computer was being
used. I was an IT major in college, but am not that familiar with Microsoft
Access, so I was wondering if this would be the correct software for this
type of project, possibly how many computers would one purchase cover and
what the costs might be associated with hosting this database on a server.
Any information would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks so much.

 

[John W. Vinson]

I work for a large Dr's office and the MD is interested in putting all of his
patient's files into a database on his computers, so that when a patient
comes into the office - the MD's or staff can update and enter the patients
info in a forms based application on the computer and stored in a database.
There are 5 computers in this office and the doctor plans on entering about
300-500 patients into the database. The doctor wants all of this information
to be updated no matter which computer it is entered in - so I am assuming
that a server would be required so the database can be hosted on the server
and the patient's chart would be available no matter which computer was being
used. I was an IT major in college, but am not that familiar with Microsoft
Access, so I was wondering if this would be the correct software for this
type of project, possibly how many computers would one purchase cover and
what the costs might be associated with hosting this database on a server.
Any information would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks so much.

Access would be capable of doing this.... BUT!!!!

Read up about the HIPAA regulations concerning security and confidentiality of
medical records. The requirements are VERY stringent. The fines are VERY
large. Many have argued, with good reason, that Access is simply
insufficiently secure to qualify for a medical-records application.

There are many commercial clinical data management packages available; you
might be "reinventnng the wheel" in any case. If you feel obliged to do so,
store the data in SQL/Server with an Access frontend. Don't count on getting
done in under six months or so unless you're a major Access - database design
expert.

 

[George]

While you CAN do this in Access--and there are probably some major
advantages to building one's one system--it is my opinion that this
particular type of application is one of those that might not be so
cost-effective to build on your own.

There are many commercial products out there which do most, if not all, of
these things. I compare it to programs like Quickbooks. It's possible to
design and build your own, but why?

Here's a typical product of this type. http://www.encite.us/pm.php