Livingston new town--use of computer in general practice medical recording.

An account is given of the use of a computer in general practice medical recording. The general practitioners who are involved work from a health centre and each one holds a hospital appointment in addition to his general practice commitment. The most effective practical assistance so far provided by the computer is in the preventive field of the practitioner's work. The additional but equally important potential use is in the processing of data in such a way as to allow the doctor to assess his methods of work, and to provide information of statistical and epidemiological value.