Big issues, small systems: managing with information in medical research

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Genetics
• Database Design

Background:

• The Molecular Genetics Department of the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory required a specialized system for managing research files.
• Existing information systems did not adequately address the unique data handling needs of molecular genetics research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a database system, the Rhesus Information Tracking System (RITS), to meet the specific information needs of the Molecular Genetics Department.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the RITS in addressing current operational requirements.

Main Methods:

• Employed Rapid Applications Development (RAD) prototyping as the core development methodology.
• Utilized a combination of interviews, questionnaires, and observation to identify and establish user requirements, focusing on interoperability.
• Examined the integration of the specialist database within the broader information strategy of the National Blood Service.

Main Results:

• The Rhesus Information Tracking System successfully met the identified current information needs of the Molecular Genetics Department.
• The RAD approach facilitated rapid development and adaptation to evolving requirements.
• Established requirements for interoperability were addressed in the system design.

Conclusions:

• The Rhesus Information Tracking System provides an effective solution for managing molecular genetics data.
• The project demonstrates the successful application of RAD prototyping in developing specialist database systems.
• The research highlights generic management issues applicable to broader information strategy implementation.