The development and implementation of a computerized on-line obstetric record.

We developed and implemented a completely paperless and on-line obstetric record in the high-risk obstetric clinics at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center. Patient care and interactions are input directly into the computer by the health care providers. Laboratory information is transferred automatically from the Laboratory Information Service into the computerized prenatal record. The system has been in continuous operation for 2 years and is highly regarded. Problems such as illegible handwriting, missing records, and missing laboratory data have disappeared. Research and data query capabilities have been facilitated. The feasibility and applicability of a computerized record replacing the paper record has been demonstrated.