[Computerized records in vascular pathology. I. Basic elements].

Computerized processing of medical case-report data in angiologic practice should be conceived in two parts: the basic elements which define patients during their identification, and the specific disease-related elements. The basic file raises the problem of coding of data and of who does what. The choice of objectives and of coding is the responsibility of the doctor in charge of the project. Data processed should not be in his language only and cannot substitute for him when a decision has to be made. Collection and storage of data also fall within the medical field, apart from certain sections: identification of patients, intensive care, vascular explorations, the person directly concerned being either the secretary, the nurse or the doctor.