The SADE system: an endoscopic database manager.

The development of the SADE database manager was commenced in 1985 since no commercially available systems were suited for the needs of a large endoscopy unit. Over a period of five years, this database was programmed, revised and enhanced through the joint efforts of gastroenterologists and programmers, the SADE system being implemented for daily use on 1 January 1989. The patient administration and medical record modules are fully implemented and functional, while the statistical module has only recently been finished. The present features of the system are described, and the limitations discussed. Instant report generation and direct access to previous medical data are the most immediate benefits of the system. The initial intention to have structured anamnestic data had to be modified to suit the need for flexibility and ease of free text input by the users.