Real Time Display Of New Records

I have developed a CRM that is based on sales leads that post to a database.  The CRM index page performs a select query and displays a filtered recordset based on the SQL.  This index page refreshes every 30 seconds via a Meta Tag refresh.  But I am thinking that there must be a more robust/efficient method.  Ideally I would have a popup appear each time that new record posts that when clicked would bring up the detail for the record.  And if such a robust method exists, what might better the overall refresh of the data other than a Meta refresh?  Any direction you can advise would be appreciated,
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