title: Big issues, small systems: managing with information in medical research.
abstract: This subject of this article is the design of a database system for handling files related to the work of the Molecular Genetics Department of the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory. It examines specialist information needs identified within this organization and it indicates how the design of the Rhesus Information Tracking System was able to meet current needs. Rapid Applications Development prototyping forms the basis of the investigation, linked to interview, questionnaire, and observation techniques in order to establish requirements for interoperability. In particular, the place of this specialist database within the much broader information strategy of the National Blood Service will be examined. This unique situation is analogous to management activities in broader environments and a number of generic issues are highlighted by the research.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Services, Liverpool Blood Centre, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Preston
mesh_terms: D001771:Blood Banks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001789:Blood Group Antigens; D003625:Data Collection; D003628:Database Management Systems; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009313:National Health Programs; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D012985:Software Design; D018511:Systems Integration; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D001789:Blood Group Antigens