The synopsis record card: a stepping stone to the computer.

A synopsis record card has been developed for use in general practice to provide ready reference to the important facts of the patient's record. When such a card is available in the record wallet it is used at 50% of all patient consultations and significantly reduces the time needed to retrieve past data essential to the consultation. The card contains clinical details, and data on medication, drug idiosyncrasies, immunizations, screening procedures, social, occupational and family history and practice research. As synopsis records are particularly important in teaching practices and when referral letters to hospital or personal medical attendant insurance reports are written, provision has been made for the inclusion of data relevant to those functions. So that the card may act as an intermediary for record computerization, all elements needed in the construction of a computer record have been taken into account. The prototype card was circulated to 3000 RCGP members for comment and the majority of replies were favourable. Suggested modifications have been incorporated in the final design of the card.