title: The development and implementation of a computerized database for clinical research in minimal access surgery. An international pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The measurement of outcomes after minimal access surgery (MAS) relies on the maintenance of an accurate, prospective clinical database. The development of a system for data management often proves to be challenging, expensive, and extremely time-consuming.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a computerized relational database for MAS using Microsoft Access 97 to reside on a hospital server, taking advantage of existing network connections, security, and backup systems. The design of the database includes a point-and-click approach with dropdown boxes for diagnoses, procedures, and complications (limited free-text entry). A fundamental feature of this database allows surgeons and surgical trainees to record clinical information at the point and time of data acquisition.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A "beta version" or fully functional draft of the database was presented to a group of surgeons from a variety of specialties (n = 8), and a structured interview based on a questionnaire was used to elicit the surgeon's evaluations of the database. Using the information from the interviews, the database was extensively revised and restructured.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We have developed a relational database that reflects the needs of surgeons interested in clinical research. This database may serve as a template for other centers. It can be expanded to adopt new procedures or modified for other surgical specialties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, St Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 4A6. birchda@fhs.mcmaster.ca
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Birch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Witzke
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Witzke
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoskins
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003628:Database Management Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D019992:Databases as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013502:General Surgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*