PROGRAM 21 “ A Computer Does the Job”

INTRODUCTION TO ACT I
Today on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we join Dr. Stewart and his nurse-assistant, Molly Baker, in their medical office. They have a new computer to help organize their office work. Molly is typing all their patient records into the computer. It’s not always easy to become familiar with a new tool. But Molly sees that the computer will be very helpful.

ACT I
Philip: Morning, Molly.
Molly: Good morning. I’m in here, with the new baby.
Philip: Baby?
Molly: Well. The new computer.
Philip: [ He enters. ] Ah! How’s it going?
Molly: Pretty well, so far. It’s complicated, but I think I can do it.
Philip: What are you doing right now?
Molly: I’m entering all our patient records.
Philip: That sounds like a lot of typing for you.
Molly: It is. But I have a feeling this little machine is going to make life a lot easier around here in the future. Let me show you something. With this computer program. There’s a standard form for keeping patient records.
Philip: I see, you just fill in the patient’s name, address, date of visit, reason for visit, and treatment.
Molly: Now, here’s the good part. Once all the information is in the computer, I can find it in several ways.
Philip: Whoa! You’re ahead of me there. What do you mean by “ several ways”? Can you show me?
Molly: Well, I can ask the computer for a patient’s medical history by typing his or her name. Alice Brown, for example. Or I can type in the name of a medicine. Here’s a list of everyone using this medicine. And here’s Alice Brown’s name.
Philip: I get it! Hey, it looks as if Alice Brown needs to refill her prescription.
Molly: You’re right. You see, you can look for all kinds of information.
Philip: Molly, you’re a quick learner. Can I see a printed record?
Molly: Sure. Lets print out Alice Brown’s medical record. [ She waits for the printout.] Mmmmm-mmm. This is the best part.
Philip: You sit back while the computer types.
[ The telephone rings.]
Molly: That’s right. Until the telephone right. Excuse me. [ She answers the phone.] Dr. Stewart’s office… May I help you? Ah, Mrs. Brown. What can I do for you?... Alice needs a new prescription. No, there’s no need to go get the number. I have it right here in the computer.
END OF ACT I

INTRODUCTION TO ACT II
This time on TUNING IN THE U.S.A., we’re back with Dr. Stewart and Molly Baker at the Riverdale Hospital. Their new computer is now a regular part of their office. Dr. Stewart knows the computer can make record keeping more of efficient. But this afternoon, in an emergency, it helps to save to a young patient.

ACT II
[ The telephone rings.]
Molly: [ She answers the telephone.] Hello. Dr. Stewart’s office. May I help you?... God afternoon, Mrs. Roper. How are you? … The doctor’s busy at three o’clock. How about four o’clock? …. You’re welcome. We’ll see you at four…. Good-bye.
Philip: I’m going to get some coffee, Molly. Would you like some?
Molly: No, I’m drinking less coffee these days. I drink only one cup a day.
Philip: Yes, too much coffee isn’t good for you.
Molly: And I never drink it at night. It keeps me awake.
Philip: I know. Yes, it’s good to keep it to a minimum. But today I need something to stay awake. I was working in the hospital until three o’clock this morning. If I don’t have some coffee I’m going to fall asleep on my feet.
Molly: Some juice would probably do the same thing.
Philip: You’re right, Molly. I’ll try the juice and skip the coffee.
[ A frightened mother and her sick son rush into Dr. Stewart’s office. The boy is sick, and he is coughing.]
Mrs. Grosfeld: Dr. Stewart!
Philip: Mrs. Grosfeld, Bobby---- What is it?
Mrs. Grosfeld: It’s Bobby. He can’t breathe. It’s his asthma. It’s never been this bad before.
Philip: Lie down here on the examining table., Bobby. What medicine did we gibe him the last time?
Mrs. Grosfeld: Oh, oh, I can’t remember. We changed from one medicine to another kind. I don’t remember.
[ Molly begins typing at the computer.]
Philip: Molly, cal up Bobby’s records on the computer.
Molly: I just did. We prescribed his usual Formula 3, and then we changed it to Formula 8.
Philip