[MIDOS--an electronic database for the palliative care unit]

A minimal documentation system (MIDOS) has been developed for self-assessment of pain and other symptoms by the patients on palliative care units. To decrease the administrative burden and thereby increase the acceptance of the system an electronic database was developed to facilitate data entry and documentation.

The database is based on Microsoft Access. Screen masks are used for navigation and data entry. According to the type of data items may be chosen in checklists or pull-down menus or entered as free text. The main menu documents personal data from the patient. Submenus can be reached from the main screen mask. Submenus included are the core documentation of the working group of the German Ministry of Health, the German versions of the Brief Pain Inventory, the quality of life questionnaire SF-12 and the Mini Mental State Examination for assessment of cognitive impairment. Data from these instruments may be assessed repeatedly for the same patient. Documentation of follow-up consultations include self-assessment of pain and other symptoms by the patient (MIDOS) and the analgesic regimen. These informations should be documented for each consultation.

This data base was used in two trials on the palliative care unit of the university of Cologne, confirming data safety and convenience of the programme. We recommend the use of this data base in combination with MIDOS and the core documentation for routine assessment on the palliative care ward.