Figure 3-3. The electronic spreadsheet computerizes the preparation of columns
and rows of figures.
b. Advantages. Spreadsheet software products eliminate this type of error and
make it possible for financial analysts to produce more iterations of numbers in the
same format. Since spreadsheet software has the potential to do the same amount of
work in a lot less time or to do more work in the same amount of time, managers can do
a lot more "what if" thinking. By changing the data in any column, row, cell or formula,
planners can predict the consequences of any number of changes. Some spreadsheets
can integrate with word processing programs, thus allowing calculated information to be
presented in table format.
Section II. COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN HEALTH CARE
3-5.
INFORMATION IN A HEALTH CARE ENVIRONMENT
Accurate and efficient information processing is crucial for any medical system or
hospital. A hospital exists, after all, to permit doctors to gather information about their
patients, and order therapy based on that information. Treatment depends, first, on
relaying findings correctly and quickly, and second, on conveying the physician's orders
with equal speed and accuracy. It is quite common for hospital employees to spend
one-fourth to one-third of their time dealing solely with information. Nurses can spend -
up to two-thirds of their time in this way. And, just as computers have become an
integral part of airline reservations systems, automated banking transactions, and
telephone system dialing and billing, they have also become central to the speedy and
accurate dissemination of information in hospitals and medical systems.
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