title: Selection of an obstetric data base for a microcomputer and its use for on-line production of birth notification forms, discharge summaries and perinatal audit.
abstract: A microcomputer system is described which stores data for perinatal audit and produces 'on-line' the statutory birth notification form and mother and baby discharge summary. The derivation of a minimum data-base and the methods used to obtain reliable data are outlined. The results of a trial of the production of the birth notification form for 195 deliveries are reported together with those of a further trial of 86 deliveries in which the system was used to produce both the notification form and the discharge summary. A study of the accuracy of the handwritten birth notification forms revealed a high error rate which was markedly reduced by the use of the microcomputer system. The system is now in routine use and further developments are outlined.
mesh_terms: D003201:Computers; D005260:Female; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008131:London; D008485:Medical Audit; D008499:Medical Records; D008838:Microcomputers; D009775:Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Hospital; D009862:Online Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D010500:Perinatology; D011247:Pregnancy