A computerised personal audit for surgical trainees.

A computerised personal audit for surgical trainees has been devised to supplement the newly introduced log books of operations performed. The audit uses a standard database programme and an IBM-PC compatible microcomputer. For ease of entry, the principle diagnosis, operation and any complication are entered in the form of a simple code with the help of an on-screen index. The system has been used for three years by one surgical trainee, with a total of 1,500 operations now on record. Rapid retrieval of an individual patient's details or a list of any data combination required is possible. The operative log book thus becomes part of a powerful personal audit from which surgical trainees can assess their experience and results.