Int. J. Gynecol. Obstet., 1989,28: 229-235 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics remains unchanged, history taking has often become highly detailed [0] and the range of possible investigations continues to grow. Provisional decisions must also be made for each mother on the appropriate pattern of antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care. Finally, but not least, time must be allowed for explanations and reassurances. With such complexity, standards can be maintained only by constant vigilance, by regular training of new staff, and normally by a high degree of centralisation. Despite such efforts several writers have commented on the failure to follow previously agreed medical protocols in a consistent manner 11,12,221. Computers in the antenatal booking clinic have the potential to improve the selection and presentation of information; to ensure that set protocols are properly followed; to provide substantial clerical and administra- tive assistance; and in the longer term to allow decentralisation of such clinics. They cannot do this without the prior input of a large quantity of individual information. Yet data entry is time consuming and costly. This study was therefore designed to find out what proportion of expectant mothers might be willing to enter a substantial proportion of the necessary data themselves. Development of the system A computer language, entitled MICKIE, 229 The development and evaluation of a computerised antenatal questionnaire R. Fawdry Uniersity of London and Milton Keynes General Hospital, Standing Way, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, MK6 sLD (U.K.) (Received July l3th, 1987) (Revised and accepted March 23rd, 1988) Abstract A computerised questionnoire, for conven- ience entitled "PAM" (Progrommed Aid for use in Midwifery), was created for use at the time of first antenatal assessment. The system required simple direct input by the expectant mother; and in response to a short descriptive letter, 73.4V0 of 349 women were prepcrred to try the new method. The response of 100 con- secutive women who tried the system was fur- ther analysed. Seventy women liked PAM, four disliked the technique and the remainder had no strong feelings. Asked by the midwife which they would prefer, 46 women expressed a preference for the computer questionnaire and only nine would rather have had a tradi- tionol interview with o midwife asking the some questions. PAM or similar systems pro- vide a new opportunity, both for research and as o meons of reliably decentrolising the initiol assessment of a pregnancy. Keywords: Antenatal care; Initial antenatal assessment; Microcomputers; Computerised questionnaire; Patient input. Introduction The first antenatal attendance at a hospital clinic has become an increasingly complex event. Although the clinical examination 0020-7292/89/503.50 @ 1989 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Published and Printed in Ireland Clinicol and Clinical Research