title: The development and application of a surgical database.
abstract: Since 1971, the members of a department of surgery in a staff model HMO have maintained a surgical database using a microcomputer. The reasons for this effort are discussed with specific reference to the ethical requirements of such a database. The system design lends itself to any type of practice. Illustrative examples are given of the types of data easily obtained. The role this information plays in the practice of surgery is discussed. This approach is one way to address issues of clinical decision-making, quality control and research.
mesh_terms: D003199:Computer Systems; D003625:Data Collection; D013502:General Surgery / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009513:New Hampshire; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012042:Registries; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000706:statistics & numerical data