Get the best out of computers in medicine

ABC of medical computing. Nicholas Lee, Andrew Millman, authors and editors. London: BMJ Publishing Group 1996 (viii+93 pp., £20). ISBN: 0-7279-1046-9.

First published as a series in the British Medical Journal, this book gives a broad overview of how doctors can get the most value from their computers. It is aimed at the novice, assumes minimal computer knowledge and is extensively illustrated with screen images so that beginners are not befuddled by the text. It covers basic computer functions (choosing and installing software, manipulating and presenting data), access to information (multimedia, the Internet, online searching) and hospital- and practice-based systems. Many references to programs and systems are specific to the UK, but little effort should be required to track down Australian equivalents. Screen image of a virtual liver (reproduced with permission).