Improved Papanicolaou smear reporting through the use of automated data entry.

The implementation of an automated data entry and report generation system using an optical scanner and commercially available image processing program is described. This method could be easily adapted for use in other fields of medical research where the compilation of a large amount of repetitive data is involved, such as the filling in of questionnaires. Using an optical scanner for data entry improves the efficiency of report generation, thereby improving the turnaround time of reports. Reports are standardised and more easily understood by referring doctors. Data is also standardised and validated and is more amenable for quality assurance analysis, in the reminder service for patients, and gives a performance analysis of smear takers.