Prototype for recording and managing medical research data using a web enabled database : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Post Graduate Diploma (Commerce) at Lincoln University

Abstract

The aim of this project is to design and implement a database, and web site prototype which would enable research data to be entered into the database, by a group of surgeons located nationwide. The system will also be used to manage collection of the data and output the collected data for further analyses.

The design must cater for entering/updating patient details, recording details of the patient's surgery and their answers to a series of surveys. To manage data collection, various reports will be produced, e.g. listing surveys due to be filled in or those overdue in being returned. This and monitoring the status of data recording, e.g. whether the answers to a survey have been wholly recorded, will be necessary to ensure the completeness of data entry.

In addition, the system design will allow surgeons to enter/update only the appropriate data (i.e. their own) and will provide for management control by the Researcher. Other issues such as data accuracy and ease of data entry will also be important.