Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway

ObjectivesA customised data management system was required for a rapidly implemented COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway in order to mitigate the risks of delayed and missed diagnoses during the pandemic. We assessed its performance and robustness.MethodsA system was developed using Microsoft...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:BMJ health & care informatics 2021-07, Vol.28 (1), p.e100307
Main Authors: Miller, Janice, Gunn, Frances, Dunlop, Malcolm G, Din, Farhat VN, Maeda, Yasuko
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Critical Pathways
Data entry
Data Management
Databases, Factual
Early Detection of Cancer
Health informatics
Humans
Implementer Report
Pandemics
Patients
Software
Time Factors
User-Computer Interface
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Summary:ObjectivesA customised data management system was required for a rapidly implemented COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway in order to mitigate the risks of delayed and missed diagnoses during the pandemic. We assessed its performance and robustness.MethodsA system was developed using Microsoft Excel (2007) to retain the spreadsheets’ intuitiveness of direct data entry. Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) was used to construct a user-friendly interface to enhance efficiency of data entry and segregate the data for operational tasks.ResultsLarge data segregation was possible using VBA macros. Data validation and conditional formatting minimised data entry errors. Computation by the COUNT function facilitated live data monitoring.ConclusionIt is possible to rapidly implement a makeshift database system with clinicians’ regular input. Large-volume data management using a spreadsheet system is possible with appropriate data definition and VBA-programmed data segregation. The described concept is applicable to any data management system construction requiring speed and flexibility in a resource-limited situation.
ISSN:2632-1009
2632-1009
DOI:10.1136/bmjhci-2020-100307