Data Management Unit Research Articles

A hospital based surveillance system to assess the burden of trauma in KwaZulu-Natal Province South Africa.

In response to the ongoing excessive burden of trauma in South Africa the Data Management and Epidemiology Units of the Department of Health in conjunction with a group of trauma specialists developed a number of trauma data variables for inclusion on the routine District Health Information System (DHIS). The aim of this study is to describe the process followed and review the 2012-2014 data. The variables collected included: total patient numbers assessed in the emergency room with a diagnosis of trauma; the mechanisms of trauma (blunt assault, motor vehicle accident, pedestrian vehicle accident, stab, gunshot wound, other); any trauma patient admitted to a health facility ward/ICU for longer than 12h; and whether the patient required transfer to a higher centre of care. All trauma deaths in hospital were recorded. The severity of trauma was measured using the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) classification of blue code (dead), red code (stretcher case with deranged physiology), yellow code (stretcher case with normal physiology) and green code (able to walk with normal physiology. The DHIS trauma data from April 2012 to March 2014 was reviewed. There were 197,219 emergency room visits for trauma in KZN in the 2013/2014 financial year. This constitutes 27.0% of all emergency room visits. The ratio of intentional to non-intentional injury is 45:55. There were 18,716 admissions to public sector hospitals for trauma in KZN in the 2013/2014 financial year. This constitutes 2.4% of all admissions in the province. There were 1045 inpatient deaths due to trauma in the same period, constituting 2.5% of all inpatient deaths. The overall rate of trauma in KZN was 17 per 1000 population. The adapted DHIS has successfully collected essential data that quantify the hospital burden of trauma in KZN province. This has provided the most complete overview of the burden of trauma in the Province. These trauma indicators should remain a permanent part of the DHIS to allow planners to track the trauma epidemic and to institute informed management strategies.

Evaluating knowledge outsourcing performance Of public sectors with data envelopment Analysis

With the governmental sectors imitating the reformation of enterprises stressing on Knowledge, Contracting Out and Deregulation have become the core policies. Contracting Out is not based on the arbitrariness of an administrator, but the selective efficiency and competition. Connecting the resources between Public and Private Sectors is a concern of Contracting Out, while Knowledge Outsourcing is an innovation to enhance organizational knowledge and the reduction of organizational ignorance. Based on a Knowledge Outsourcing Investigation by the Kaohsiung City Government (Taiwan) in the past few years, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Sensitivity Analysis are integrated for measuring the total efficiency (TE), pure technical efficiency (PTE), and scale efficiency (SE) of Knowledge Outsourcing of the sectors in the Kaohsiung City Government for the improvement reference of other counties and cities. From the message acquired from the efficiency and variables with the DEA, one DMU (Data Management Unit), or about 5% of all DMUs, appears to have strong Knowledge Outsourcing efficiency 1, showing favorable Knowledge Outsourcing efficiency. Two DMUs, comprising about 10% of all DMUs, reveal the marginal Knowledge Outsourcing inefficiency between 0.9 and 1. This implies that such sectors could better enhance the Knowledge Outsourcing efficiency. 17 DMUs, representing about 85% of all DMUs, exhibit an obvious Knowledge Outsourcing inefficiency of less than 0.9, so that the Finance and Transportation Bureaus present the lowest Knowledge Outsourcing efficiency.

A semi-automated quality assurance toolbox for diagnostic imaging

A prototype software system for supporting the process of data collection and management in Quality Assurance (QA) for diagnostic imaging is presented. The developed system comprises two main units: the Image Processing Unit (IPU) and the Data Management Unit (DMU). The IPU is implemented to analyse images from different diagnostic modalities to allow extraction of quantitative measurements for further processing or immediate storage. The IPU is dynamically linked to the DMU so that measurements are transferred directly to the DMU. This process allows the automated generation of quality assurance reports for all such modalities. Apart from its low cost, flexibility for expandability and portability, the developed system extensively and comprehensively tests diagnostic modalities for compliance with international guidelines and standards, offering a structured approach to a comprehensive QA methodology.

Design of a Double CPU and Distributed Coal Mine Fault Oscillograph

Traditional microcomputer fault oscillograph cannot meet the requirements of coal mine substation to digital and networked. A double CPU and distributed coal mine fault oscillograph is presented, the device data acquisition unit of new fault oscillograph use high performance DSP chip TMS320LF2812 to complete signal acquisition and processing, and S3C2410 chip is used in data management unit to complete the data storage, display and communication function. Test results show that the new fault oscillograph could separately installed in each substation and has stable operation and high communication capacity advantages.

Managing data for the international, multicentre INTERGROWTH‐21st Project

The INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project data management was structured incorporating both a centralised and decentralised system for the eight study centres, which all used the same database and standardised data collection instruments, manuals and processes. Each centre was responsible for the entry and validation of their country-specific data, which were entered onto a centralised system maintained by the Data Coordinating Unit in Oxford. A comprehensive data management system was designed to handle the very large volumes of data. It contained internal validations to prevent incorrect and inconsistent values being captured, and allowed online data entry by local Data Management Units, as well as real-time management of recruitment and data collection by the Data Coordinating Unit in Oxford. To maintain data integrity, only the Data Coordinating Unit in Oxford had access to all the eight centres' data, which were continually monitored. All queries identified were raised with the relevant local data manager for verification and correction, if necessary. The system automatically logged an audit trail of all updates to the database with the date and name of the person who made the changes. These rigorous processes ensured that the data collected in the INTERGROWTH-21(st) Project were of exceptionally high quality.

The Path to the Execution of Explorative Clinical Researches in National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC)

In the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's (MHLW) "5-year plan for activating clinical trials", we have put in place the infrastructure including human resources for supporting not only commercial clinical trials but also those initiated by academic researchers, including clinical research coordinator (CRC) support and consultation for planning clinical trial with biostatistician. We also prepared a data management unit and trained data managers for academic clinical trials. In 2011, the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center (NCVC) was selected one of the sites of the MHLW project of structure improvement to execute early phase clinical trials. To clinically develop medical devices invented by the NCVC researchers involved in the project, animal experiments which meet the GLP standards must be finished before the first-in-human clinical trial. We are planning to create the units containing human resources for developing medical devices such as professionals in regulatory affairs, safety tests, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) systems. Creation of a smooth pathway from the preclinical to the clinical phases will be key to the efficient development of new medical devices.

A Spectrum Sensing Network for Cognitive PMSE Systems

AbstractThis article is about a Spectrum Sensing Network (SSN) which generates an accurate radio environment map (e.g. power over frequency, time, and location) from a given application area. It is intended to be used in combination with cognitive Program Making and Special Events (PMSE) devices (e.g. wireless microphones) to improve their operation reliability. The SSN consists of a distributed network of multiple scanning radio receivers and a central data management and storage unit. The parts of the SSN are presented in detail and the advantages and use cases of such a sensing network structure will be outlined.

The LISA Pathfinder DMU and Radiation Monitor

The LISA Pathfinder DMU (Data Management Unit) flight model was formally accepted by ESA and ASD on 11 February 2010, after all hardware and software tests had been successfully completed. The diagnostics items are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2010. In this paper, we review the requirements and performance of this instrumentation, specially focusing on the Radiation Monitor and the DMU, as well as the status of their programmed use during mission operations, on which work is ongoing at the time of writing.

목포대교 주변의 선박 항행 정보 및 기상 정보 획득 시스템 개발

본 논문에서는 현재 건설 중인 목포대교와 선박 사이의 충돌 위험도 평가에 필요한 선박 정보와 기상 정보 수집 장치(Data Acquisition System, DAS) 개발에 관하여 기술하였다. 본 연구에서는 DAS를 통항 선박과 기상 현황 데이터를 수집하기 위한 신호 수신 및 처리 유닛과, 데이터 전송과 분배를 위한 네트워킹 유닛, 데이터 관리를 위한 유닛 등으로 구성하였다. 목포항 여객터미널과 신안군 안좌도를 왕복하는 카페리 선상에서의 현장 실험을 통해, 충돌 위기 평가에 적합한 정보를 DAS가 제공할 수 있음을 알았다. 또한 5차 버터워스 디지털 필터를 이용하여 기상 데이터에 포함된 잡음성 데이터를 충분히 억제할 수 있었다. This paper describes the development of Data Acquisition System (DAS) to obtain the vessel and weather information needing to evaluate collision risks levels between Mokpo harbor bridge and passing vessels. DAS consists of Signal Receiving and Processing Unit to obtain the data sets of passing vessels and weather status, Networking Unit to transmit and distribute the acquisition data sets and Data Management Unit. Through the field tests on the deck of shuttle car ferry between Mokpo Port Passenger Terminal and An-Jua island, Sinan-Gun, we found that the DAS can provide useful data sets for adequate the collision risk evaluation. In addition, the noise-like data sets appeared in the weather data can be suppressed fully using 5-th order Butterworth digital filter.

The Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) study: recruitment, intervention and follow-up

Aims/hypothesisThe Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) study was designed to establish whether weaning to a highly hydrolysed formula in infancy subsequently reduces the risk of type 1 diabetes.MethodsThe study population comprises newborn infants who have first-degree relatives with type 1 diabetes and meet the increased risk HLA inclusion, but not exclusion criteria. The study is being performed in 15 countries in three continents. First-degree relatives of patients with type 1 diabetes were identified from diabetes clinics, diabetes registries, and from other endocrinology or obstetrics offices and websites. HLA typing was performed at birth from cord or heel stick blood, and the results sent to the study’s Data Management Unit within 2 weeks for communication of eligibility to the clinical study centre. All mothers recruited were encouraged to breastfeed. The intervention lasted for 6 to 8 months, and weaning formulas based on hydrolysed casein and standard cow’s milk were compared.ResultsTRIGR recruited 5,606 infants, of whom 2,160 were enrolled as eligible participants, 6% more than the target of 2,032. Of those enrolled, 80% were exposed to the study formula. The overall retention rate over the first 5 years is 87%, with protocol compliance at 94%. The randomisation code will be opened when the last recruited child turns 10 years of age, i.e. in 2017.Conclusions/interpretationThe TRIGR experience demonstrates the feasibility and successful implementation of an international dietary intervention study. TRIGR is the first ever primary prevention trial for type 1 diabetes and, if completed successfully, will provide a definite answer to the research question.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00179777FundingThe study was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH) (grant numbers HD040364, HD042444 and HD051997), Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and the Commission of the European Communities (specific RTD programme ‘Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources’, contract number QLK1-2002-00372 ‘Diabetes Prevention’. Other funding came from the EFSD/JDRF/Novo Nordisk Focused Research Grant, Academy of Finland, Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation and Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00125-010-1964-9) includes details of the TRIGR Writing Group, plus a complete list of investigators and other TRIGR staff members, and is available to authorised users.

National data system on near miss and maternal death: shifting from maternal risk to public health impact in Nigeria

BackgroundThe lack of reliable and up-to-date statistics on maternal deaths and disabilities remains a major challenge to the implementation of Nigeria's Road Map to Accelerate the Millennium Development Goal related to Maternal Health (MDG-5). There are currently no functioning national data sources on maternal deaths and disabilities that could serve as reference points for programme managers, health advocates and policy makers. While awaiting the success of efforts targeted at overcoming the barriers facing establishment of population-based data systems, referral institutions in Nigeria can contribute their quota in the quest towards MDG-5 by providing good quality and reliable information on maternal deaths and disabilities on a continuous basis. This project represents the first opportunity to initiate a scientifically sound and reliable quantitative system of data gathering on maternal health profile in Nigeria.ObjectiveThe primary objective is to create a national data system on maternal near miss (MNM) and maternal mortality in Nigerian public tertiary institutions. This system will conduct periodically, both regionally and at country level, a review of the magnitude of MNM and maternal deaths, nature of events responsible for MNM and maternal deaths, indices for the quality of care for direct obstetric complications and the health service events surrounding these complications, in an attempt to collectively define and monitor the standard of comprehensive emergency obstetric care in the country.MethodsThis will be a nationwide cohort study of all women who experience MNM and those who die from pregnancy, childbirth and puerperal complications using uniform criteria among women admitted in tertiary healthcare facilities in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. This will be accomplished by establishing a network of all public tertiary obstetric referral institutions that will prospectively collect specific information on potentially fatal maternal complications. For every woman enrolled, the health service events (care pathways) within the facility will be evaluated to identify areas of substandard care/avoidable factors through clinical audit by the local research team. A summary estimate of the frequencies of MNM and maternal deaths will be determined at intervals and indicators of quality of care (case fatality rate, both total and cause-specific and mortality index) will be evaluated at facility, regional and country levels.ManagementOverall project management will be from the Centre for Research in Reproductive Health (CRRH), Sagamu, Nigeria. There will be at least two meetings and site visits for efficient coordination of the project by regional coordinators and central coordinating staff. Data will be transferred electronically by hospital and regional coordinators and managed at the Data Management Unit of CRRH, Sagamu, Nigeria.Expected outcomesThe outcome of the study would provide useful information to the health practitioners, policy-makers and international partners on the strengths and weaknesses of the infrastructures provided for comprehensive emergency obstetric care in Nigeria. The successful implementation of this project will pave way for the long-awaited Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths that would guide the formulation and or revision of obstetric policies and practices in Nigeria. Lessons learnt from the establishment of this data system can also be used to set up similar structures at lower levels of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

ESCRS study of prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

To present the development and design of the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons multicenter study of the prevention of postsurgical infective endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification and to describe the process for its successful implementation and conduct. Twenty-four ophthalmology units and eye clinics in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, with an administrative office in Ireland, coordinating center in England, and data management and statistical unit in Scotland. This partially masked randomized placebo-controlled multinational clinical study was designed to evaluate prospectively the prophylactic effect of intracameral cefuroxime and/or perioperative topical levofloxacin on postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Random allocation was based on a 2 x 2 factorial design that included participating centers as a class variable. Real-time electronic data collection monitored study progress and provided weekly outcome tables, monthly recruitment summaries, and quarterly analytical reports for the study's Data Monitoring Committee, which evaluated the safety and efficacy by Internet-based conferences. A 2-year lead time was required to meet harmonized standards of clinical research in the European Union, obtain ministerial authorization in 3 countries, gain institutional approvals at 24 hospitals, and procure indemnity insurance for surgical centers. Informed consent instruments, designed to comply with national health policies, were translated into 8 languages. The use of information technology to collect study data enabled the organizers to evaluate individual eligibility at enrollment, adherence with study medications during and after surgery, and postoperative status during follow-up. This international cooperative study provided the opportunity to estimate the current incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in Europe and determine whether 1 or both of 2 antimicrobial regimens reduces the risk for postsurgical intraocular infection.

ESCRS study of prophylaxis of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery

To report results in the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) multicenter study of the prophylaxis of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Twenty-four ophthalmology units and eye clinics in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, with an administrative office in Ireland, coordinating center in England, and data management and statistical unit in Scotland. This partially masked randomized placebo-controlled multinational clinical study to evaluate prospectively the prophylactic effect of intracameral cefuroxime injection and/or perioperative levofloxacin eyedrops on the incidence of endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification cataract surgery began in September 2003 and was terminated early in January 2006. The study used random allocation of patients in a 2 x 2 factorial design. By the end of 2005, complete follow-up records had been received for 13 698 study patients. Such a clear beneficial effect from the use of intracameral cefuroxime had been observed that it was agreed it would be unethical to continue the study and to wait for the completion of all follow-up procedures before reporting this important result. If total reported cases of endophthalmitis are considered, the incidence rate observed in those treatment groups not receiving cefuroxime prophylaxis (23 cases in 6862 patients) was almost 5 times as high (odds ratio [OR], 4.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74-12.08; P = .002) as that in the groups receiving this treatment (5 cases in 6836 patients). If only cases proved to be due to infection are considered, the rate was more than 5 times as high (OR, 5.32; 95% CI, 1.55-18.26; P = .008) in the treatment groups not receiving cefuroxime. Although the use of perioperative levofloxacin eyedrops as prophylaxis was also associated with a reduction in the observed incidence rate of postoperative endophthalmitis, this effect was smaller and was not statistically significant, whether total reported cases or only cases proven to be due to infection are used in calculating the rates. As not all follow-up procedures are complete, it is possible that further cases of endophthalmitis may be reported; however, it is not expected that this will alter the main conclusion. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that successful completion of follow-up procedures in all patients will increase the total number in the study to approximately 16,000. Intracameral cefuroxime administered at the time of surgery significantly reduced the risk for developing endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

PC73 MONITORING AND SUPERVISING A DIETARY INTERVENTION TRIAL USING MODERN DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

Introduction: The recruitment for TRIGR (Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk) study started May 2002 and will continue until spring, 2006. TRIGR sample size: 2,032 infants to be randomized, 95% confidence level, 80% statistical power, 40% reduction of type 1 diabetes by 10 years,20% drop-out rate, 10% exclusive breastfeeding up to 8 months. Present status of TRIGR: 68 participating centers from 14 countries on 3 continents, by January 31,2004 1817 families have been registered and 1392 infants have been randomized, 632 infants continue in the intervention after HLA screening from cord blood. Methods: The Data Management Unit (DMU), H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center& Research Institute, established an electronic web-based data capture system for TRIGR. Study data is collected world wide using on-line web-based forms. The Oracle (internet) database is open continuously and the data can be entered round the clock. The data entry forms are linked to online logical controls and checks to reduce input errors. The TRIGR staff members have their own User Id and Password and the system is monitoring and keeping track of data entry and editing constantly. The audit trail can be seen whenever it is necessary. The laboratory data are captured to the DMU database using the FTP technique (File Transfer Protocol) via Internet. The gateway is opened from a laboratory PC to the DMU server and the files are transferred to the server through that gateway. The tracking system for interviews, visits and blood samples is now available. Study Centers are asked to use it to report whether the scheduled contacts with the participating families have occurred or not even before the corresponding forms or test results have been submitted to the database. The tracking system has been designed to facilitate the monitoring of the Study Centers’ compliance efforts. The Sametime videoconferencing program offers TRIGR Study members a relatively inexpensive and effective alternative to e-mail, telephone calls and in-person meetings as a means for discussing issues of mutual interest on real time basis. The next application could be video based training programs through internet. Results: To be able to design such a system, to get it ready to process on time and to ensure that everything will run as it is supposed to do, you need to have experienced staff with special knowledge and previous experience of extensive multicenter intervention trials. Conclusion: The management of an international multicenter intervention trial would be extremely complicated and challenging without modern technique. The current system has proven its efficiency in monitoring, recruitment and compliance in study centers within TRIGR.

Adherence to Secondary Stroke Prevention Strategies – Results from the German Stroke Data Bank

Only very limited data are available concerning patient adherence to antithrombotic medication intended to prevent a recurrent stroke. Reduced adherence and compliance could significantly influence the effects of any stroke prevention strategies. This study from a large stroke data bank provides representative data concerning the rate of stroke victims adhering to their recommended preventive medication. During a 2-year period beginning January 1, 1998, all patients with acute stroke or TIA in 23 neurological departments with an acute stroke unit were included in the German Stroke Data Bank. Data were collected prospectively, reviewed, validated and processed in a central data management unit. Only 12 centers with a follow-up rate of 80% or higher were included in this evaluation. 3,420 patients were followed up after 3 months, and 2,640 patients were followed up one year after their stroke. After one year, 96% of all patients reported still adhere to at least one medical stroke prevention strategy. Of the patients receiving aspirin at discharge, 92.6% reported to use that medication after 3 months and 84% after one year, while 81.6 and 61.6% were the respective figures for clopidogrel, and 85.2 and 77.4% for oral anticoagulation. Most patients who changed medication switched from aspirin to clopidogrel. Under the conditions of this observational study, adherence to stroke prevention strategies is excellent. The highest adherence rate is noticed for aspirin and oral anticoagulation. After one year, very few patients stopped taking stroke preventive medication.

Academics in Service to the Legislature: Legislative Utilization of College and University Faculty and Staff

The Importance of Research to Legislatures Prior to the 1950s, most legislative staffs were comprised of a few part-time members whose primary function was recordkeeping. Over the years, these staffs slowly grew. By the 1950s, states had developed legislative staffs - predominantly fiscal and budget agencies - rather than rely on executive branch staffs. Beginning in the early 1980s, the federal government shifted considerable responsibility for program development, funding, and implementation to state governments. This shift meant that legislatures increasingly were held accountable for program development and implementation. As a result, by 1988, most states had fully developed full-time staffs, totalling more than 18,000 persons Jones, 1992: 131). The importance of these staff to legislatures is clearly documented (Entin, 1973: 427; Kovenock, 1973; 407; Porter, 1974; 703; Zwier, 1979; 42; Sabatier and Whiteman, 1985; 396; Huber, 1989; 1; Mooney, 1991; 445). The fiscal problems experienced by state in the early 1990s drastically reduced the growth of these staffs, at a time when their workload was increasing. Consequently, now would appear to be an appropriate time for legislative staffs to use college and university faculty and staff to fulfill their need for a high-quality research staff without actually expanding staff size or cost. Unfortunately, legislative research is frequently short-circuited by the exigencies of time and political environment. Thus, provision of research services almost always occurs within a short time frame. The key question, that needs to be asked is, To what extent do college and university faculty and staff really help legislative research agencies? Roles Perceived by Colleges and Universities Colleges and universities in the United States have been founded in part for the purpose of educating and training people (Wilson, 1887; 197; Mosher, 1975; Fritschler and Mackelprang, 1977; 488; Waldo, 1980; Ellwood, 1985). In recent years, many colleges and universities have come to see themselves as schools with an expressed purpose of providing valuable low-cost research that is of regional and widespread interest to government officials (Regan and Mauer, 1985; 7; Cigler, 1992; 39). In addition, higher education now sees itself as furnishing state governments with balanced, professional, and unbiased research. As state governments become more active in policy research and as they receive more responsibility for delivering public services without concomitant resources from the federal government, their need for research increases. Worthley and Apfel (1978; 608) emphasize that changing economic and social conditions demand greater levels of information, knowledge, and expertise on the part of state officials - and that colleges and universities are especially well suited to help legislatures and their agencies, primarily because they are uniquely multidisciplinary in nature (Kerr, 1985; Giamatti, 1981; Ravelle, 1975; 1104). In a period of increasing by complex issue and declining revenues, higher education sees its schools as viable sources of information and assistance to state governments (Apfel and Worthley, 1979; 408). Higher education administrators contend that they fit a clearly useful niche because they provide information and knowledge to state governments to help them better serve their constituents. Colleges and universities are seen as resources on which governmental agencies capitalize (Gilley, 1990; 40; Gove and Stauffer, 1986). They may even be willing to lose money on their governmental research efforts, if the net effect is goodwill and increased appropriations. Translated into its simplest terms, higher education sees itself as possessing an extensive assemblage of multidisciplinary expertise that can be used to address specific public issues and concerns. Colleges and universities generally are able to address these issues and concerns by (1) allowing wider and more efficient use of their facilities, equipment, and personnel, (2) furnishing a state-of-the-art, quality work force, (3) reorienting their research toward the needs and interests of legislatures, and (4) creating data collection and management units to furnish knowledge and information. …

The Introduction of Hospital-Based Cancer Registries in Queensland

The management of cancer data is an expanding area of interest and employment for medical record administrators in Queensland. This is largely due to the software package and support network for hospital-based cancer registries that has been developed by the Data Management Unit of the Epidemiology and Prevention Unit in the State Health Department. The package is offered to any hospital interested in setting up and maintaining their own cancer data base and is completely compatible with the information requirements of the Queensland population-based registry. This paper describes the development of a hospital-based cancer registry system and the involvement of medical record administrators in cancer registry data management. (AMRJ 19(1), 6–8).