Coping with quantity and quality: computer-based research on case records from the 'Wittenauer Heilstätten' in Berlin (1919-1960

Abstract

Computer-aided research on hospital records has been used increasingly by historians in recent decades. We reviewed a representative sample of four thousand patient records from the 'Wittenauer Heilstätten' (known as 'Karl- Bonhoeffer-Nervenklinik' since 1965) over the period 1919-1960. Special focus was placed on the daily lives of patients, and we attempted to trace continuity and discontinuity through three different political systems. This paper outlines our research methodology by describing the structure of data entries, the use of special computer software and problems encountered with historical sources. It outlines the medical and social information which was obtainable and concludes by discussing the use of additional historical sources, necessitated by the limitations of case records.