Automation of the birth registry log book.

If available resources are limited, a computer novice with basic computer skills can develop and implement an electronic database management system. Commitment and determination to automate manual record keeping of birth registry data are crucial. Some of the database software systems available today were designed to be user friendly. Product reviews published in personal computer magazines will assist an end user to find such user-friendly programs. Once a system is selected and implemented, data can be easily retrieved and used for simple to advanced database functions. Hospital statistics, state-required maternity statistical reports, and research, quality assurance/quality improvement, staffing justification, market research, and critical path variance reports will benefit from the wide array of data manipulation techniques.