title: Development and implementation of an extremity free-tissue-transfer database.
abstract: Rigorous clinical outcomes research requires accurate, complete, and standardized data. No such system is currently being used by reconstructive microsurgeons to evaluate free-tissue-transfer procedures. To facilitate collection of relevant and complete data, the authors propose a standardized format for data collection regarding these procedures. Data are collected via computer entry or scannable forms. The database includes sociodemographic, clinical, health/functional status, patient satisfaction, and resource utilization variables--the necessary components of a well-constructed clinical outcome study. Such studies will give rise to meaningful treatment algorithms for managing reconstructive problems. In addition, widespread use of a standardized databse will facilitate comparisons between practices and allow for meta-analyses. Resultant practice guidelines and microsurgery care maps will ultimately improve patient care and minimize unnecessary costs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hey
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Heinz
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Golal
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Levin
mesh_terms: D016208:Databases, Factual; D006801:Humans; D008492:Medical Informatics Computing; D008866:Microsurgery; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps