Sharing best practice: developing a Web-based database

This article reports on the development of a web-based interactive database that was designed to facilitate the dissemination of practice development, research and audit projects across a large NHS trust. A multidisciplinary team worked collaboratively to design the database in order to ensure that it incorporated features which made it easy for the end user. Concise structured information on each project was recorded and search facilities incorporated to facilitate access to information. Hyperlinks to other web pages on the Internet and the Trust intranet were created and full reports/publications of projects were included for those who wanted more information. The subsequent implementation across the organization involved promoting the database, helping practitioners develop skills to access information, setting up quality review procedures for projects and evaluating its use. The development of the database has highlighted that time, the availability of computers in clinical areas and skills development are important considerations when taking forward information technology (IT) initiatives.