The Use of a Computer in a Hand Clinic

Abstract

We have developed a computerised system for the storage, retrieval and analysis of the workload of a hand clinic. In a study of 800 patients we have found it superior to a punched card system collecting similar information. The computer system functioned reliably and achieved its user specification. It should prove a useful tool in helping a surgeon in matters of audit, research and disease or accident prevention but its long term performance in this regard requires evaluation.