ABSTRACT
A computer system has been set up at the Medical Research Council Laboratories, Kingston, Jamaica, to assist in patient management and statistical analysis of data collected from over 4000 patients with sickle-cell disease. The records are stored in a patient data-base which includes personal data, relative cross-referencing information, haematological and clinical observations and a directory of stored sera samples. The information is processed in three main stages: the collection and editing; storage and maintenace; and retrieval and usage. Computer programmes have also been written to show the attendance pattern of children in the "cohort" clinic, which assists in maintaining regular follow-up. The computer system has become an integral part of the work of the Unit and offers a flexible approach to research (AU)
