Computerized labor and delivery logbook. A first step to a perinatal database in a university-affiliated community hospital.

In response to rapidly expanding data collection and retrieval needs, a modest perinatal database was initiated. This database combines the ease of entry and retrieval and the continuous accessibility of a microsystem with the storage and back-up advantages of a minicomputer with programming and troubleshooting support. The described system requires no change in medical record keeping, permits data entry by nursing personnel, requires little editing and is reasonably priced.