Abstract
The aim of this study was to improve data collection, audit and research data by integrating a comprehensive patient data collection database into the day to day running of an orthopaedic department.
The day to day processes of the house surgeon and registrar junior staff were analysed and tasks identified that would allow accurate recording and recall of orthopaedic-specific patient data by automating and performing tasks that would improve junior staff efficiency. A database was then designed and implemented with a “front end” that performed such tasks as generating operating lists, tracking ward locations of patients, producing discharge summaries and auditing complications. This database was then introduced on the hospital intranet and the “back end” constructed to gather accurate patient and injury data to allow improved data collection and research.
Information and data collected was a significant improvement on previous methods available to the department. Junior doctor compliance for data entry was high but the system needed monitoring and “cleaning” on a weekly basis to maintain its accuracy. This method of data collection was more accurate than anything available in the hospital and has been surprisingly useful in producing data to support concerns within the department regarding managerial changes in hospital systems.
Use of a database collection system that gathers information by performing day to day tasks for junior staff has been an effective and reasonably accurate method of obtaining useful patient data. It requires regular monitoring to be most effective but has been easily integrated and accepted within the hospital system.
The abstracts were prepared by Jean-Claude Theis. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dunedin Hospital, Private Bag 1921, Dunedin, New Zealand.
