Segment 1 The presenters explain that doctors are becoming more interested in information technology. A GP's surgery is seen, and the female presenter explains that the patients' files are being put onto computer, which will eventually save time and space. The different uses for a computer in a doctor's surgery are discussed. Doctor Robin Mill-Jones of Glasgow University discusses a new computer being developed as a diagnostic aid. He describes how it works. An organic chemist explains how molecular modelling software can help in the development of new drugs. The software is shown working. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:09:17:01 Length: 00:09:17:01
Segment 2 The Prestel Gateway System is demonstrated. This is a data network similar to Teletext, containing information for doctors such as case studies and news about new drugs. A high street pharmacy is shown; they use an automated computer ordering system to order new medicines. A diagnostic computer in an antenatal clinic is shown. A pregnant woman is shown answering questions on the computer. A nurse demonstrates how a software program can analyse a baby's breathing. She shows the graph of a normal and abnormal breathing pattern. A man is shown having a grid of light projected onto his naked torso. The light is used to precisely measure the shape and movement of his chest as he breathes. This is non-invasive imaging software. A software engineer at IBM uses the data to construct a simulated 3D model of his chest. Infrared cameras can be used to analyse the body. The female presenter drinks some sherry and the infrared camera shows her face turning red. Time start: 00:09:17:01 Time end: 00:19:53:11 Length: 00:10:36:10
Segment 3 The infrared camera can be used to diagnose arthritis or inflammation. A doctor explains the benefits of using information technology to analyse x-rays. The x-ray is digitised so that the photograph can be enhanced. He shows a lung cancer tumour being enhanced on a computer. Radioactive matter is injected into a patient's bloodstream in order to watch the beating of their heart. A computer constructs a picture of the heart from the information. A male patient who received the first computerised pacemaker in the UK discusses the benefits it has made. A doctor explains how the pacemaker works. A male patient who is unable to talk is shown having a conversation using a computer. The presenters conclude the programme, explaining that information technology has had a huge impact on the health system, and that microcircuits will hopefully help make new improvements in the years to come. Time start: 00:19:53:11 Time end: 00:29:48:04 Length: 00:09:54:18