[Rationalization of the recording of case histories using a modular system]

Delay often occurs in preparing the case history and treatment summary for transmission to the general practitioner. At the Hagavik Orthopaedic Hospital this delay is reduced to about five days by preparing the summary on a modular system consisting of four modules; the biographical data of the patient, admission and discharge dates and the treatment classified, an abstract of the patient's hospital record and discharge notes. Since 1986 the two first modules have been prepared by computer, which has reduced secretarial work by about one week per 1,000 summaries.