The establishment of a microcomputer-based diagnosis and operations index in the Department of Surgery of a district general hospital.

The development and running of a microcomputer-based index of diagnoses and operations in the surgical department of a district general hospital is described. Many major problems have occurred, leading to malfunction or failure of the system, but it appears that these difficulties have now been resolved. In one year 4360 records have been fully processed with 4775 diagnoses, and 3968 operation codes have been permanently recorded. A further 560 patient records have been entered and await admission. The day-to-day running of the computer has been achieved by established secretarial staff without increase in number. The advantages and disadvantages of this system are outlined.