Systematically Tabulated Outcomes Research Matrix (STORM): a methodology to generate research hypotheses.
BACKGROUND
Here we describe the Systematically Tabulated Outcomes Research Matrix (STORM) method to generate research questions from pre-existing databases with the aim of improving patient outcomes.


METHODS
STORM can be applied to a database by tabulating its variables into a matrix of independent variables (y-axis) and dependent variables (x-axis) and then applying each unique pairing of an independent and dependent variable to a patient population to generate potentially meaningful research questions.


RESULTS
To demonstrate this methodology and establish proof-of-principle, STORM was applied on a small scale to the National Trauma Data Bank and generated at least seven clinically meaningful research questions.


CONCLUSIONS
When coupled with rigorous clinical judgment, the STORM approach complements the traditional method of hypothesis formation and can be generalized to outcomes research using registry databases across different medical specialties.
Department of Surgery, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA. Electronic address: jcrompton@mednet.ucla.edu.
Joseph G
JG
Crompton
Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Tolulope A
TA
Oyetunji
Center for Surgical Trials and Outcomes Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigation [GTPCI] at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.
Elliott R
ER
Haut
Department of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Edward E
EE
Cornwell
Center for Surgical Trials and Outcomes Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD.
Adil H
AH
Haider
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D057225:Data Mining; D016208:Databases, Factual; D005260:Female; D006260:Head Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009049:Motorcycles; D012042:Registries; D012107:Research Design; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013124:Spinal Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control