Described a distributed approach to management information systems for mental health organizations that is less costly and complex than the widely advocated integrated system. Presents a client statistics subsystem that can be written with a standard statistical analysis package. Describes Florida Mental Health Institute's data system to…

Describes the process by which a department of psychiatry computerized its clinical services under a single communication network. Presents the program in detail, demonstrating the recording of various clinical, administrative and demographic data. Emphasizes the value of such information for returning patients, immediate updating of information,…

Automated management information systems (MIS) process a great deal of data at a relatively low cost. Staff involvement is vital to the success of any MIS. Designers must consider how information moves in the organization and coordinate the system design with this movement. (JAC)