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

Objectives A 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.Methods A system was developed using Microso...

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Main Authors: Malcolm G Dunlop, Yasuko Maeda, Janice Miller, Frances Gunn, Farhat VN Din
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMJ Publishing Group 2021-03-01
Series:BMJ Health & Care Informatics
Online Access:https://informatics.bmj.com/content/28/1/e100307.full
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author Malcolm G Dunlop
Yasuko Maeda
Janice Miller
Frances Gunn
Farhat VN Din
author_facet Malcolm G Dunlop
Yasuko Maeda
Janice Miller
Frances Gunn
Farhat VN Din
author_sort Malcolm G Dunlop
collection DOAJ
description Objectives A 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.Methods A 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.Results Large 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.Conclusion It 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.
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spelling doaj-art-c5ca55d7dc2848d4a54dfe4a2b71a0332025-08-20T02:11:58ZengBMJ Publishing GroupBMJ Health & Care Informatics2632-10092021-03-0128110.1136/bmjhci-2020-100307Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathwayMalcolm G Dunlop0Yasuko Maeda1Janice Miller2Frances Gunn3Farhat VN Din4Department of Colorectal Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UKDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UKDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UKDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UKDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UKObjectives A 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.Methods A 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.Results Large 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.Conclusion It 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.https://informatics.bmj.com/content/28/1/e100307.full
spellingShingle Malcolm G Dunlop
Yasuko Maeda
Janice Miller
Frances Gunn
Farhat VN Din
Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
BMJ Health & Care Informatics
title Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
title_full Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
title_fullStr Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
title_full_unstemmed Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
title_short Development of a customised data management system for a COVID-19-adapted colorectal cancer pathway
title_sort development of a customised data management system for a covid 19 adapted colorectal cancer pathway
url https://informatics.bmj.com/content/28/1/e100307.full
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