Graphic extension of a cardiological database for acquisition and storage of qualitative information

Character information, produced by daily operation and patient coding, is stored in traditional databases and available online from each workstation, in a network of 17 personal computers operative in the cardiology department. To allow storage and retrieval of qualitative information, the authors integrated the clinical database with the graphic toolkit EasyView which was designed to get excellent performance for document image processing using low-cost PC and scanner input devices. To test the system, a pilot study was started to manage the electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings of a selected group of patients in followup. Although only a limited number of patients have been included in the pilot study, the system seems fast, user-friendly and suitable for daily clinical practice. The ECGs maintain their qualitative diagnostic information, and were helpful for clinical decision making