A microcomputer system in the delivery suite

Abstract

Microcomputer systems have been installed in the delivery suites of two obstetric units which cater between them for nearly 10 000 deliveries annually. The midwifery and medical staff enter administrative, antenatal, anaesthetic and delivery details during labour and as soon after delivery as possible. The computer prints out the official Birth Notification, the entry for the Midwives Register and the record of labour and delivery for the patient's notes. Subsequently the postnatal doctor and anaesthetist, where relevant, enter details of puerperium and anaesthetic follow-up, before the production by the computer of discharge and anaesthetic summaries for the community and records. In the first 6 months of use at the Bristol Maternity Hospital (July to December 1982) 2229 patients were delivered and have had obstetric details recorded on the computer. A general obstetric audit of these patients is presented.