title: [BOON (Bonn ophthalmology online network). Concept of an integrative databank for monitoring patients under intravitreal therapy].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Previous studies have proven that long-lasting success in the therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other neovascular retinal diseases depends on monthly follow-up examinations to assess visual acuity and retinal morphology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The interactive database Bonn ophthalmology online network (BOON) offers a platform for patient monitoring, increasing control reliability and providing a tool for permanent communication between treating centers and referring ophthalmologists. The BOON data-based project started in 2009 at the department of ophthalmology at Bonn University and ten referring ophthalmology practices. It was programmed to communicate diagnostic findings, images and patient appointments online. In order to react promptly the system gave immediate notice if patients had missed a follow-up appointment or the condition had worsened. Patients were recruited in 2009 and 2010 and were followed for 1 year. Each patient had an electronic master file with several registers in which, besides personal data, precise diagnostic findings, imaging and reports were quickly and easily entered by means of detailed check box and drop-down menus. Each follow-up was registered and an alert email was sent to the referring physician in cases of missed appointments or disease progression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BOON database supports the requirements for a fast and detailed communication between treating and referring physicians in the treatment of patients with AMD as well as other retinal diseases. It was programmed to support data exchange and monthly control visits and thus a better patient management. Results will show whether this helps to enhance long-term treatment success in neovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Ernst-Abbe-Str. 2, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland, carolin.milojcic@ukb.uni-bonn.de.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Milojcic
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Clemens
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fimmers
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Quade
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Alten
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sarbach
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Eter
mesh_terms: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D057225:Data Mining / Q000379:methods; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008498:Medical Record Linkage / Q000379:methods; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D009862:Online Systems; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D018511:Systems Integration
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors