Automation of follow-up and data analysis of paediatric heart disease in Malta.

Widely available computer programs have been used to set up a database for patients with congenital heart disease in Malta. This database is used for clinical follow-up and research, and has been tailored to provide formatted output of specified results of follow-up as tables and graphs that are automatically updated with ongoing changes in the dataset. The system is easy to use, being menu- and icon driven and can be operated with minimal training. It has resulted in great saving of time not only in clinical practice, but also in the production of reports and analysis of data, as spreadsheets need only be created once and are then updated at will. The system also incorporates a patient summary generator and a on-screen picture library for patient explanation and teaching purposes.