NARUS 2018: Lessons Learned with Over 10 Years of Tracking Outcomes
The initial process began via validated questionnaires. Patient filled out forms in clinic or mail from home. These were paper questionnaires that included pad status, erections satisfaction, IIEF-5, AUASS, urinary bother, PDE-5 use, and quality of life. This historic data capturing process was manifested by lack of efficiency in requesting and returning forms, with less than 25% relevant data being captured. Maintenance of this kind of prospective database requires at least 40 hours a week, with questionable accuracy and data reliability.
A new electronic process has been adapted, utilizing the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). It is an automatic process with automatic invitations sent to patients at 30 days, 3 months, 9 months, 1 year, and etc. It has managed to achieve a 65-75% response rate for a 52 questions survey. Additionally, this electronic process has managed to decrease the time dedicated to patient follow-up from 45 minutes per patient to 2 minutes per patient.
Dr. Aherling concluded his talk by fully supporting the usage of the electronic process of data collection.
Presented By: Thomas Ahlering, California, USA
Written By: Hanan Goldberg, MD, Urologic Oncology Fellow (SUO), University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre @GoldbergHanan at the 2018 North American Robotic Urology Symposium, February 16-17, 2018 - Las Vegas, NV