Microcomputer-based local area network system for controlling information on perinatal medicine.

We present an outline of our microcomputer-based Local Area Network (LAN) system designed to process information related to perinatal events. This system enables any of the medical personnel to use a microcomputer terminal installed at the bedside and also to process, in a real-time manner, new input-information together with past information, thereby correlating the processing of medical information to actual clinical care. In addition, using the utility subsystem, a more desired form of data-output can be substituted for conventional hand-prepared clinical charts. Over a 3-month test period for clinical use, it became evident that this could serve as a suitable prototype system capable of covering the entire scope of information required by perinatologists. This system also enables any form of statistical assessment to be made of events, such as calculating the perinatal mortality rate and the incidence of preeclampsia. Problems arising from the clinical application of this system are given immediate attention and appropriate steps taken.