Inquiry and Endometrial-Online computer program: 27 years of clinical registry for endometrial cancer at the University Medical Centre Maribor

Abstract

Objective: Clinical registries are designed to collect quality data generated during diagnosis and cancer treatment, post-treatment monitoring, and survival and to enhance patient treatment. Evaluation of registry data allows an improvement of patient care and a comparison between healthcare providers. Our goal is to present a computer-based endometrial cancer registry that could serve as a model for those planning to develop a similar registries. Methods: Comprehensive forms for monitoring patients with endometrial cancer (EC) were introduced at the Department of Gynaecological and Breast Oncology, Maribor General Hospital in 1994. Following the clinical development in treatment approaches to EC. This form has been revised several times. The amendments were based on our experience and new approaches to treatment. The form of Endometrial-Online computer program that we present and is currently in use, was designed in 2014. Results: In the last 27 years, we have collected data on EC patients treated at our institution. The Endometrial-Online computer program enables collection, processing, and analysis of 139 different data, that include patient’s general data, history, diagnostic procedures, histopathological examination results, treatment methods, and post-treatment follow-ups in a rapid and reliable way. Conclusions: The purpose of the Endometrial-Online Registry is the collection of data on cancer patients with the intention of improving diagnosis and treatment. It enables improved day-to-day healthcare service, and comparison of our treatment outcomes with national and international standards. Limitations of such clinical registries can be in an incomplete or incorrect data entry as a consequence of several healthcare professionals taking part in diagnostic work up, treatment and post-treatment follow-up of endometrial cancer patients.