[ENT computerized medical history documentation. Report of experiences over 15 years]

The results of 15 years of automated data processing are evaluated, and methods used in the beginning are compared with present-day procedures. The standardisation of E.N.T. case histories, and direct access to data files (34 500 case histories) created a well functioning base for scientific research. Nevertheless, many problems had to be solved first; such as loss of data through careless manipulation, inadequate coding (analog data), insufficiency of date definition, as well as a reluctance to fill in questionnaires properly. The advent of increasingly user-friendly hardware and software has done much to narrow the gap between physician and computer. This is clearly demonstrated by the increased use of the E.N.T. data bank for research in the last few years.