title: [An informatics program for the management of patients with pacemakers].
abstract: We are introducing a software package (Dbase III application) for the management of patients wearing cardiac pacemakers. It runs on any IBM compatible microcomputer with a minimum of 512 Kb RAM and a 10 Mb hard-disk. It works with 6 separate databases: 1) identification-indications; 2) implants; 3) explant-closure; 4) follow-up; 5) pacemakers, and 6) electrodes. The program runs completely by menus, tasks being started by one key stroke. The patient databases are structured following the European Pacemaker Patient Card, including its codes. Data introduction is facilitated by friendly screen formats. The pacemaker database contains 495 models and 304 electrodes of all brands. Automatic searches include: 1) hospital number (from last and/or first name); 2) complete pacing history; 3) listing of patients by stimulation mode, loss of follow-up or proximity of expected battery end of life; 4) pacemaker or electrode definition, and 5) pacemaker models contained in the database. The program has been applied by nurses for over 6 months in our service, proving its efficacy with an easier and better follow-up. The accuracy of the automatic searches has been confirmed manually.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja, Madrid.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goicolea
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chicote
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Adoue
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gómez
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D016206:Databases, Bibliographic; D006801:Humans; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial
vernacular_title: Programa informático para el seguimiento clínico de marcapasos.