Final answer:
The first computer systems used in healthcare were used primarily for payroll and accounting functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the nascent stages of healthcare informatics, the initial computer systems served predominantly for payroll and accounting functions. Emerging in the mid-20th century, these early systems aimed at streamlining administrative processes within healthcare institutions. They automated payroll calculations, easing the financial management burden on healthcare administrators. Over time, as technology advanced, these systems evolved to encompass broader functionalities, including patient records and inventory management. The integration of computers into healthcare not only revolutionized administrative tasks but also laid the foundation for more comprehensive electronic health record systems, ultimately transforming the delivery of healthcare services and improving overall efficiency, accuracy, and patient care.