A chronological database to support outcomes research in prostate cancer

Purpose: To outline the process for developing a data management system for patients with prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: Between 1997 and 2002, several generations of a working database using a Microsoft Access platform were developed for the tracking of patients with prostate cancer. The database evolved to include both the management of clinical practice and outcomes research. A chronological data system lists events by their date and value. Algorithms for data exporting can access these lists in defined ways to mine for specific parameters. Results: The most recent working model of our database was implemented with over 2000 patients entered and over 250,000 rows of data. It is utilized by the entire staff and is central for processing prostate cancer data within the department. Outcome studies have been performed using the system, and data export algorithm development remains ongoing. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that functional database systems are possible for large clinics treating patients with prostate cancer. The ability to maintain up-to-the-minute data variables is vital not only for unbiased outcomes analysis, but for patient flow and care. Future systems will migrate to web platforms. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc.