[A computer-assisted patient databank for the ENT field].

In this study, a patient database program was prepared for patients admitted to the ENT Department of Ege University Hospital, Izmir. The algorithm of the program was created by using dBASE IV. In order to develop a patient database, a careful preparation and running stage had to be accomplished. However, the most important factor was proper maintenance. The greatest problem during the maintenance stage was compliance of the doctors or secretaries using the program. This was overcome by choosing or making a user-friendly, flexible, practical and beneficial patient database program. The study also showed that doctors could make their own patient databases and use them efficiently if they are interested in computers.