|
Excerpts: "Creation of a national medical records database for veterinarians is a not a pie in the sky concept. The technology for it exists. What is principally needed is a coordinated effort to bring the concept to fruition. Plans for creating such a database are already under way. ..The national database could represent all areas of the United States, unlike medical record databases maintained within private practice or in connection with veterinary colleges. ... The national database will make early detection of disease trends possible and help veterinarians choose procedures for dealing with these diseases. ... The national database will enable veterinarians to make precise comparisons of the results of their treatment procedures with a much larger universe of results. Suppose, for example, that a veterinarian is achieving a 60% success ratio with a particular treatment protocol. Trends, revealed by surveys of the database will be important to human health. ... For example, the database can provide early warning of the localized threat of such diseases as rabies, leptospirosis, erlichiosis, rickettsial disease, and other diseases transmitted from animals to human beings. ... The national database will provide enhanced resources for research on a animal breeding and disease, prevention."
|