DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EXTREMITY FREE-TISSUE-TRANSFER DATABASE

Rigorous clinical outcomes research requires accurate, complete, and s tandardized data. No such system is currently being used by reconstruc tive microsurgeons to evaluate free-tissue-transfer procedures. To fac ilitate collection of relevant and complete data, the authors propose a standardized format for data collection regarding these procedures. Data are collected via computer entry or scannable forms. The database includes sociodemographic, clinical, health/functional status, patien t satisfaction, and resource utilization variables - the necessary com ponents of a well-constructed clinical outcome study. Such studies wil l give rise to meaningful treatment algorithms for managing reconstruc tive problems. In addition, widespread use of a standardized database will facilitate comparisons between practices and allow for meta-analy ses. Resultant practice guidelines and microsurgery care maps will ult imately improve patient care and minimize unnecessary costs.