Computer-based hypertension clinic records: a co-operative study.

A computer-based medical record system has been developed to help with research into hypertension and the management of patients with hypertension. Standard medical records are replaced by data collection forms and case notes printed by the computer. A computer-generated document for recording information at follow-up visits contains an up-to-date summary of the important clinical features with warnings of risk factors. A blood-pressure graph and a letter for the general practitioner are produced on request. The system has been used in three clinics for two years and is being tested in general practice. Information on 900 newly-referred patients has been recorded and at present data on 30 to 40 new patients and 160 follow-up visits are added each month.