Introduction: A collaborative network has been established which aims to improve inter-centre standards for collection of high-resolution, neurointensive care data on head injured patients. The group is also creating a detailed database which will be useful for post-hoc hypothesis testing. The coordination structure, membership guidelines, database access and publication criteria are described together with the results of a pilot data collection exercise.
Methods: Four group meetings enabled definition of a "Core Dataset" to be collected from all centres. A paper based pilot collection of data was conducted to determine the feasibility for collection of the core dataset. Forms to collect the core dataset demographic and clinical information as well as sample the time-series data elements were distributed to 22 BrainIT centres. A pilot data collection of minute by minute physiological monitoring data was also performed.
Findings: A core-dataset was defined (see: www.brainit.gla.ac.uk/brainit). Eighteen centres (82%) returned completed forms by the set deadline. The feasibility for collection of the core data elements was high with only 10 of the 64 questions (16%) showing missing data. Of those 10 fields with missing data, the average number of centres not responding was 12% and the median 6%. A SQL database to hold the data has been designed and is being tested. Software tools for collection of the core dataset have been developed. A prospective data collection from 30 centres of the full core dataset is in progress.
Conclusion: The BrainIT network will provide an efficient mechanism to more effectively conduct small-scale, multi-centre trials of new health care technology.
Piper I, Citerio G, Chambers I, Contant C, Enblad P, Fiddes H, Howells T, Kiening K, Nilsson P and Yau YH on behalf of the BrainIT group. The Brain IT group: concept and core dataset definition. Oral presentation at the 12th International symposium on Intracranial Pressure and Brain Monitoring. Hong Kong 16-26th August 2004.
Dr. Iain R. Chambers, Cleveland Unit, Middlesbrough. Tel: +44 (0)1642-854-778.
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