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General Information
MACAW, a program for the practice of Chinese Medicine, is based on the vast experience of its creators in both the study and the practice of Chinese Medicine, as well as in the creation of computer programs for students and practitioners in the field.
MACAW incorporates the highest standards of user interface and is adapted to the appearance and standards of Windows XP and 2003. The program allows for immediate and intuitive application, thereby enabling a speedy learning curve.
Sophisticated internal structure combines all the available information and technical systems into one comprehensive perfected unit.
MACAW is also particularly user friendly for practitioners in various other medical fields – both conventional and alternative – who wish to incorporate the principles of Chinese Medicine in their treatments. Medical doctors will find unique and extraordinary tools in MACAW, unlike any other computer program currently on the market. They will find a concentrated and dynamic store of data, together with diagnostic and treatment imaging tools, which will help to achieve better understanding and, consequently, better treatment in every case.
MACAW may be used as the main tool, or as an accessory to other programs. It provides a wide and impressive array of possibilities for those interested in or practicing Chinese Medicine, and will enhance the user’s abilities and performance at every level.
MACAW takes into account all the lessons learned from work in the field and from earlier computer programs developed by Taomedic, as well as those of other companies. Some of the main points on which emphasis has been placed in creating MACAW are:
•Accessibility to a broad database
•Smart dynamic referrals among the various information fields
•Queries and cross sections on request
•Aids to finding treatment solutions – by symptoms and by syndromes
•Tools for converting and understanding the principles of Chinese and Western Medicine (works in both directions)
•Active patient files (with real time referral to medical information)
•Complex and complicated treatment issues (identifying problems – organs, creation of formulas, prescriptions)
•Clinic management, patients and treatment sessions (unlimited as to number of practitioners or patients)
Structure
MACAW is composed of three primary parts, each of which stands on its own as a complete unit in a particular area, and is generally marketed as such by our competitors. The incorporation of all three units into one has resulted in a larger and more impressive product, far more efficient than the individual units. The three parts are:
•Databases systems
•Patient files and clinic organizer
•Wizards for greater efficiency
1.Databases Systems
A unique and independent database system was specially developed in MACAW, based on object oriented programming. This enables speedy and efficient handling of data, in addition to being highly flexible.
The database system contains the following features:
•A vast and wide-ranging store of information in all areas of Chinese Medicine
•Active referral system among all the areas, allowing for retrieval of extensive and accurate data
•Options for updating and adding information. Data can be edited and/or expanded as needed. Index names can be edited and their texts changed and/or expanded. New indexes can be added and incorporated with appropriate referrals
The database contains the following information:
Symptoms:- Approximately 1500 symptoms, with referrals to acupoints,
formulas, herbs, point combinations and syndromes, for making accurate diagnoses. More than 1000 indications and more than 400 functions are listed.
Chinese Syndromes:- More than 80 syndromes related to internal organs are included, with detailed etiologies, treatment principles and suggested treatments with explanations (acupuncture, formulas, point combinations, nutrition).
Chinese Nutrition:- MACAW provides practical nutritional information with regard to approximately 300 food items. The practitioner can obtain a listing of foods that balance each syndrome or a list of syndromes that are balanced by a particular food item.
Western Diseases:- Approximately 250 Western diseases are listed, with information about the disease, associated Chinese syndromes and relevant treatment with acupuncture and/or herbs.
Acupoints:- All the points on the main meridians and a large selection of extra points (more than 450 acupoints in all) are listed, with the functions and indications of each. In addition, point locations, how to find the points, needling techniques and detailed photos and anatomical charts are given. Every point is also linked to a photo and Mandarin dialect voice file.
Auricular Therapy:- A detailed listing is given of the ear acupoints, with a comprehensive, comparative indication of the location, based on four difference sources. The locations are depicted on a beautiful photograph of an actual ear. Point functions are given in detail.
Point Combinations:- More than 400 combinations are presented, for the first time with an explanatory text for each combinations. The program provides a search system to enable the most effective use of this feature.
Formulas:- More than 300 classic Chinese formulas are given, with the Chinese name, the English name, list of herbs, amount of each ingredient, formula category and functions, indications and contraindications. Provisions exist to place an order directly with a pharmacy, either by e-mail or fax. Every formula is linked to a Mandarin dialect voice file.
Modifications:- More than 1000 modifications of classic formulas are given, including a description of the functions and referral to symptoms.
Herb Antagonisms:- A safety feature built into the program will caution the user in the event that a prohibited or unnecessary combination of herbs is included in a formula construction for the treatment.
Herbs:- 450 medicinal herbs are listed, with the Chinese and Western name, category, qualities, functions, actions, biochemical components, contraindications, recommended daily dosages. Every herb is linked to a photo and Mandarin dialect voice file.
Meridians:- Interactive graphic depictions of the meridians on three-dimensional figures, with detailed description of the pathway, including internal branches. Every acupoint is shown on the meridian and is also a hotspot through which detailed information can be obtained, including detailed charts showing the bones, muscles and tendons in relation to the point.
2.Patient Files and Clinic Organizer
MACAW enables complete running of a clinic, including patient files, medical history, follow up, formula prescriptions, and more. The program allows for an unlimited number of patients, with unlimited treatment sessions. Every treatment is recorded and saved for quick retrieval.
The system has a multi-user capabilities (separately handling up to 10,000 different users/practitioners with unlimited number of patients each), allowing for use by a large number of practitioners in one clinic. Each practitioner will have automatic access to his or her patient files and financial records.
The organizing of large numbers of patients is intuitive, by simulating windows systems, providing quick and easy access.
A very wide-ranging medical questionnaire system can be applied for each patient. The program contains hundreds of medical queries that can be incorporated without burdening the practitioner. The required information can be retrieved and marked according to selected criteria and sections, with an option for adding comments freely. The information is saved as a concise document that is easily accessed as needed – during a treatment session, when creating a formula, etc.
The patient files and clinic organizer are synchronized with the databases and the wizards, making handling of patients more efficient, from both the treatment and administrative points of view.
For example, the diagnostic and treatment wizards can be used to obtain a “second opinion” as to treatment options, or to refer to the database with easy navigation and cross referencing of data, for rapid retrieval of relevant treatment data.
The clinic organizer and the patient appointment log are linked to the Open Hours System, allowing the practitioner to schedule appointments at the most efficacious times for a specific treatment.
3.Wizards for a More Efficient Practice
MACAW provides a number of sophisticated state-of-the-art systems that allow for assistance in diagnosis and treatment.
Wizards and Smart Systems
MACAW’s wizards guide the user by ascertaining his or her needs and directing implementation of the program accordingly.
Operating Wizard:- Enables concentrated use of the program’s possibilities, by guiding the user into the depths of the program through a series of leading questions.
Solution Wizard:- A unique tool that enables finding solutions and receiving cross sections of data through complex yet easy to use queries.
Diagnosis:- For the first time, a revolutionary system that leads the user to a precise diagnosis, through special queries. In addition, the program enables the practitioner to arrive at the optimal treatment for the individual patient, while allowing for his or her personal treatment preferences.
A diagnosis can be made on the basis of the patient’s symptoms, Western diseases, or Chinese syndromes. Information is available to the practitioner at every stage of treatment and a diagnosis can be made based on one or more of these factors in various combinations.
The program contains the option of incorporating tongue and pulse diagnosis into the patient’s symptoms, in order to arrive at a diagnostic conclusion.
Brainstorming:- When a diagnosis is made on the basis of a Western disease and/or symptoms, the program calls the practitioner’s attention to additional symptoms that are likely to appear.
Treatments:- An innovation in the field! Graphs showing the efficacy of acupoints, point combinations and formulas for a specific treatment, by combining results of all possible treatments options the system suggests for a specific patient.
Ordering Formulas:- The program enables the practitioner to select, modify or create a formula and to send an order to the pharmacy directly either via e-mail or fax. Every formula is saved in the patient’s file (it can be later retrieved, duplicated, reordered and copied to another patient).
MACAW interfaces seamlessly with the internet and provides the user with additional features, such as automatic updates, access to medical information, and more.
Filters
MACAW enables the practitioner to arrive at a diagnosis by incorporating tongue and pulse descriptions. In addition, a list of recommended formulas can be obtained on the basis of the tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Chrono-Acupuncture:- Stems and Branches: For the first time in Acupuncture software, the program provides a detailed map and charts of a specific patient’s deficiencies and excesses, and energetic tendencies. These data aid the practitioner in creating the most accurate treatment for each specific patient.
The tedious calculations of Stems and Branches are done in a split of a second and are presented in chart and table form, allowing the practitioner to draw rapid conclusions.
Miscellaneous
MACAW contains many more features that aid in the practice of Chinese Medicine and clients management, such as the methods of data organization, the possibility of incorporating the practitioner’s own knowledge, preparation of documents and forms, accumulation and reference to medical tests, incorporation of photographs from an outside source (digital camera, fax, scanner), transfer of patients from one practitioner to another, transfer of formulas from session to session and from patient to patient, adapting appearance and colors of the program, various links to the internet and to data, automatic updates and much much more…
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