title: A low cost computerized system for data management in a surgical department.
abstract: A computerized system is necessary for a surgical ward in order to document systematically the performed activity and set up a follow-up for patients. The aim of this paper is to report a program to store, recall and processing clinical data concerning fundamental information about the hospitalized patients. The main characteristic of this system is its low cost, due to the low initial hardware investment and the easy introduction of data. The use of the program does not require trained personnel. The surgeon itself, setting out simple tests, is able to obtain clinical and statistical informations of epidemiologic interest, concerning surgical cases, incidence of complications and other parameters. The system has proven itself as the basis for future highly specialized data bases for scientific and clinical research.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers / Q000191:economics*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006748:Hospital Departments; D007256:Information Systems; D007558:Italy; D012984:Software; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital