New role of a medical documentation system.

Architecture of a new medical documentation system (MDS) is proposed. First, we studied the traditional MDS in terms of organizational structure, main functions, means (resources) and personnel. Special emphasis is given to the information retrieval (IR) system which is the kernel of a MDS. Then, some achievements of information technology is summarized, and concept of a mixed IR system which is the kernel of the new system is presented. New architecture is then presented. Units which compose the entire system are: host documentation centre, local documentation centres, and documentation units. Eventually, objective and features of every part are discussed.