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Methods Inf Med 2006; 45(05): 483-491
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634108
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

Medical Informatics in Medical Research

The Severe Malaria in African Children (SMAC) Network’s Experience
C. H. O. Olola
1   Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research – Coast (CGMRC), Kenya
,
M. A. Missinou
2   Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Gabon, and Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Germany
,
S. Issifou
2   Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Gabon, and Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Germany
,
E. Anane-Sarpong
3   Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana
,
I. Abubakar
4   Medical Research Council and Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Gambia
,
J. N. Gandi
1   Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research – Coast (CGMRC), Kenya
,
M. Chagomerana
5   Blantyre Malaria Project, Malawi
,
M. Pinder
4   Medical Research Council and Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, Gambia
,
T. Agbenyega
3   Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Ghana
,
P. G. Kremsner
2   Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Gabon, and Department of Parasitology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tuebingen, Germany
,
C. R. J. C. Newton
1   Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Geographic Medicine Research – Coast (CGMRC), Kenya
,
D. Wypij
6   Children’s Hospital Boston, Clinical Research Program (CRP), Boston, MA, USA
,
T. E. Taylor
5   Blantyre Malaria Project, Malawi
7   Department of Internal Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, USA
› Author Affiliations on Behalf of the SMAC Network
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 15 April 2005

accepted: 29 November 2005

Publication Date:
07 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

Objectives: Computers are widely used for data management in clinical trials in the developed coutries, unlike in developing countries. Dependable systems are vital for data management, and medical decision making in clinical research. Monitoring and evaluation of data management is critical.

In this paper we describe database structures and procedures of systems used to implement, coordinate, and sustain data management in Africa. We outline major lessons, challenges and successes achieved, and recommendations to improve medical informatics application in biomedical research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A consortium of experienced research units at five sites in Africa in studying children with disease formed a new clinical trials network, Severe Malaria in African Children. In December 2000, the network introduced an observational study involving these hospital-based sites. After prototyping, relational database management systems were implemented for data entry and verification, data submission and quality assurance monitoring.

Results: Between 2000 and 2005, 25,858 patients were enrolled. Failure to meet data submission deadline and data entry errors correlated positively (correlation coefficient, r = 0.82), with more errors occurring when data was submitted late. Data submission lateness correlated inversely with hospital admissions (r = –0.62).

Conclusions: Developing and sustaining dependable DBMS, ongoing modifications to optimize data management is crucial for clinical studies. Monitoring and communication systems are vital in multi-center networks for good data management. Data timeliness is associated with data quality and hospital admissions.

Keywords

Medical informatics computing - malaria - multi-center studies
 

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