title: The challenge of designing a database for auditing surgical in-patients.
abstract: Surgical audit is imperative in modern practice, particularly in the developing world where resources are limited and efficient allocation important. The structure, process and outcome of surgical care can be determined for quality assurance or for research. Improved efficiency and reduction of morbidity and mortality are additional goals which may be accomplished. However, computerization, medical staff cooperation and the availability of dedicated staff are among the hurdles which may be encountered. We report the challenge of designing and establishing a database for auditing surgical inpatients in a developing country and the difficulties which were encountered.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Radiology, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Branday
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Crandon
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Carpenter
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rhoden
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Meeks-Aitken
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008485:Medical Audit / Q000379:methods*; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*