Microcomputer-Based Management of a Longitudinal Geriatric Research Study

Abstract A model utilizing microcomputerized dBASE II generated reports to aid the execution of data collection in a large geriatric research study is examined. Multiple providers follow study subjects prospectively in the hospital at weekly intervals and then at 1 and 4 months post-discharge using a minimum of 12 forms per subject. This effort has revealed that an inexperienced staff member can be trained easily to use the computer for 2 to 3 hours a week to manage all the data collection needs in an otherwise logistically complex matrix of information; study team members can easily retrieve the information necessary to meet their responsibilities; and immediate feedback of data gathered can be vital for identifying and correcting problems as the study progresses.