Implementation of an optical disk system for medical record storage.

MARS was a joint developmental effort between Maine Medical Center and Advanced Healthcare Systems, Inc. It has taken nearly three years to get the system (hardware, software, and staff) to a point where it can now meet daily production requirements. This project was truly unique, so there was no opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. The optical disk system has been an attractive solution to some of the problems experienced at Maine Medical Center. The result was worth the effort in terms of both dollars and other less quantifiable benefits that have had a positive impact on patient care.