SEARCH-A language for retrieval and statistical analysis of medical records

Abstract

SEARCH is a high-level programming language to provide for the analysis of data stored in a computer-based medical record. Programs are written in three sections. The Data Definition section contains a description of the data to be used in the analysis; the Decision Logic section defines the rules that will be used to select records for processing; and the Action Commands section defines the analysis in a sequential list of statements. The SEARCH language operates on-line through a typewriter terminal and provides line-by-line syntax checking. When the program is entered, excution begins immediately and the results are returned to the terminal. SEARCH is designed to allow doctors to write th..