On Tue, 29 Sep 1998, Brian Bray wrote:

> Hi,
> 
> I got your e-mail address from the postgresql site and I thought I'd
> drop a line.  I have just started a mailing list for open source
> software in healthcare.  Your postgresql entry mentions that you have a
> medical records system made with open source tools.  I sure would like
> to hear more about it and I know that it would be interesting to others
> on the list.  The link the postgresql page doesn't work any longer -- is
> there a new one?

Hello Brian,

I am unaware of any problems at www.postgresql.org, then again, I have
a subscription to the cd releases of pg and don't visit the page often...

As far as my src --- I write code for the Department of Psychiatry
at the Sisters of Charity Medical Center here in NYC..

We run our databases on unix (SCO and Linux) in char mode only.
I don't know if this interests you at all...I see from your page that
you are mainly GUI (although I'm pleased to see that you survived M$
and are now working with X - I'll skip the usual disparaging comments
about Gates, although his pathology is impressive... ;-)

Anyway, if you are interested in char mode apps, specific to psychiatry:

We run PROGRESS on UnixWare for one unit and PROGRESS on Linux (under
emulation: ibcs2) for another.  But these units run copyrighted code
from a sister agency that once talked about publicly funded code being 
in the public domain - but has since redefined their mission.  :-(

Suffice to say I've decided to write a SQL on Linux database for
the other 18 units of my department.  In one case I have had to port
a FoxPro database to Postgres.  This guy goes live Thursday (01 Oct 98).
This is a `Central Registry' used by Psych Research to track census
activity by unit, so on...limited functionality but 12 years worth of
data!  Nonetheless, Postgres returns queries much more quickly than
does Progress...

A more ambitious project is in the works.  For our Alcoholism and
Addiction Services unit I am writing a db from scratch.  One that has
most of the functionality of my progress databases.  This db will do
pt charting.  This is my pilot project for inhouse code developed 
for SQL on Linux.  I expect this code will have the most appeal to 
other psychiatry depts looking for low cost MIS solutions.

And I don't have a problem with sharing - especially if someone is
willing to chase bugs and/or improve dubious algorithms!  Or even,
god forbid, write a GUI interface!

Seriously, all of my code (not just the blunders!) is open source.

It is in its infancy but will of necessity grow fast...currently
we are using Equinox serial IO boards to connect users, hence the
char mode interfaces (perl-dbi-dbd::pg).  We are now looking into
frame relays which will solve a variety of problems and perhaps 
someday allow X/ODBC/JDBC connections...but this is a ways off.

> If you would like to hook up with us, visit
> http://www.minoru-development.com and click on the "health care" link. 
> Instructions for joining the mailing list are there.

Done.

> Hope to hear from you.
> -Brian

Thanks for supporting Open Source / Software in the Public Interest.
Tom

    ---------- Sisters of Charity Medical Center ----------
                   Department of Psychiatry
                            ----     
    Thomas Good                          <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
    Coordinator, North Richmond C.M.H.C. Information Systems
    75 Vanderbilt Ave, Quarters 8        Phone: 718-354-5528
    Staten Island, NY   10304            Fax:   718-354-5056

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