[Direct transfer of obstetrical data by magnetic means in a randomized multicenter trial of the subjective count of fetal movements by the mother-to-be].

: Ten Belgian maternity hospitals have collaborated in an international clinical multicenter trial: Multicenter Fetal Movement Trial. Nine maternity hospitals were already managing a computerized data bank before their participation in the trial. In seven of these centers the local team was able to write a program for direct transmission of data, using standard sequential ASCII files. This procedure presents many advantages: there is a gain in time and money, since it is no longer necessary to fill out data collecting forms, or coding at a central level. Transcription errors are avoided, adhesion to strict and standard definitions is guaranteed, the micro-systems are performing in a suitable fashion in each center, modifications of parameters (and corrections) are done very quickly and, automatically carried out, on the basis of clinical data as well as "research" data, transmission by telecommunication is immediately and easily feasible.