On Sun, 5 Jan 2003, John Gage wrote: > But what are the alternatives?
John, There are indeed many alternatives. Some are proprietary and others involve other compromises. > VistA, like all medical applications, has flaws. Other alternatives also have flaws - perhaps different flaws. ... > Andrew, please point out to me the open source medical application > that is as successful as VistA. It really depends on how you care to define success. The OIO system gave us capabilities that VistA cannot deliver. In fact, the OIO project was largely motivated by my experience with VistA. > Please point out to me the comprehensive medical application where an > equal amount of additional effort can produce such extraordinary > results. This question betrays your bias. "Comprehensive" may in fact NOT be such a desirable feature :-). In fact, the OIO project is exactly an experiment in the usefulness and implications of a "non-comprehensive" medical application. I am happy to clarify if you are interested. > Is M-phobia the reason why VistA is not being pursued? No, VistA is difficult to embrace for many reasons. M-aversion is just one of them. Hopefully things will change with help from Medsphere. For one thing, VistA people need to be more active on this list :-). Best regards, Andrew --- Andrew P. Ho, M.D. OIO: Open Infrastructure for Outcomes www.TxOutcome.Org (Hosting OIO Library #1 and OSHCA Mirror #1)
