Neonatal data base and automated discharge summary using a personal computer and proprietary software.

A computerized neonatal data base and a program to develop automated neonatal discharge summaries were developed using a personal computer and proprietary software. The system has been relatively inexpensive, simple to operate, and easy to expand. The current program can produce a discharge summary in less than five minutes, as well as provide detailed summary statistics regarding patients admitted to the intensive care facility. The personal computer and proprietary software are a cost-effective mechanism of improving efficiency in obtaining neonatal statistics and discharge summaries.