The advantages of a microcomputer-based procedure log

Residency training programs in Internal Medicine have come under increasing pressure to document the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed by their residents. We initially attempted to do this by asking the residents to fill out log books. We were disappointed in this method because the residents did not keep the log books up-to-date and because the program and division directors did not receive ongoing feedback. We therefore changed to a microcomputer-based procedure log. We have been pleased with this system not only because the information is more complete, but because we are able to use the cumulative data generated in ways we did not originally anticipate. For example, the data can be used to improve quality assurance and to make adjustments in our educational efforts. The method would seem readily applicable to any residency training program and could easily be useful to any non-teaching hospital required to document the performance of procedures for purposes of staff privileges and quality assurance.