Transaction processing using remote procedure calls (RPC) for a heterogeneous distributed clinical information system.

The Johns Hopkins Hospital is developing a distributed clinical information system that integrates functionally several UNIX, IBM MVS/CICS and MUMPS computer systems. Distributed application development is accomplished by interprocess communications across Ethernet using remote procedure calls. The remote procedure call (RPC) protocol provides a standard approach to the development of distributed applications using the metaphor of a subroutine call. The Sun Microsystems RPC and XDR (external data representation) protocols have been implemented in these environments. The systems, the distributed model, RPC implementations and applications examples are discussed.

Local area networks and the hospital.

Hospital information systems are characterized by their complexity of individual functions, heterogeneity of functions, and dependence upon integration. A distributed computerized information system is well suited to meeting the needs of hospitals. A local area communications network (LACN) removes a major impediment to the use of distributed systems. An advanced microprocessor-based LACN using fiberoptic communications has been developed by the Applied Physics Laboratory of The Johns Hopkins University and has been implemented at the University of California, San Francisco Hospital.

A prototype generalized network technology for hospitals: initial implementation.

A demonstration implementation of a distributed data-processing hospital information system using an intelligent local area communications network (LACN) technology is described. This system is operational at the UCSF Medical Center and integrates four heterogeneous, stand-alone minicomputers. The applications systems are PID/Registration, Outpatient Pharmacy, Clinical Laboratory, and Radiology/Medical Records. Functional autonomy of these systems has been maintained, and no operating system changes have been required. The LACN uses a fiber-optic communications medium and provides extensive communications protocol support within the network, based on the ISO/OSI Model. The architecture is reconfigurable and expandable. This paper describes system architectural issues, the applications environment, and the local area network.