The Utility of a Federated Web-Based Information Management System in an Epilepsy Center

Author: Heidi E. Kirsch

Source: Neuroinformatics, Volume 2, Number 1, March 2004 , pp. 119-122(4)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $42.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The formulation and practice of evidence-based medicine are increasingly dependent on the ability of clinical groups to collect, share, and analyze large amounts of data of a wide variety of types. Disease-oriented federated data management systems represent the most recent tools for the achievement of these goals. Such systems serve as gateways for users to obtain data from multiple sources such as hospital laboratories, radiology departments, or the electronic medical record. Under the federated model, the system does not itself store information, but serves as a uniform and flexible front end that allows clinicians and researchers to obtain integrated patient data within a single environment. In addition, queries may be submitted and data received securely via a Web browser over the Internet or over an intranet, making the system widely available to appropriate users.

Epilepsy centers, as disease-oriented entities whose clinical and research activities depend critically on large amounts of multi-modal information, benefit greatly from such systems. Patients referred for management at a specialty epilepsy center typically bring with them extensive histories of antiseizure medications tried and failed, of investigations attempted and their results. Upon arrival to the epilepsy center, several new pieces of data are added in short order. A review is made of the patient's medical history, including seizure types, triggers, and frequency. New medication levels may be obtained. High-resolution MRI scans may be performed. These data reside on systems that vary in their accessibility and user-friendliness, and gathering it for efficient use may be frustrating and time-consuming.

Document Type: Miscellaneous

Publication date: 2004-03-01