Automating outcome analysis after stem cell transplantation: The YORT tool

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Medical Informatics
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex procedure requiring rigorous quality assessment.
• Yearly outcome reviews and audits are crucial for maintaining high standards of care and improving patient survival rates.
• Standardized data registries and automated analyses can reduce the workload and enhance the consistency of outcome evaluations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the Yearly Outcome Review Tool (YORT) for automated, standardized analysis of HSCT registry data.
• To streamline the process of outcome review for quality assurance and accreditation purposes.
• To provide a user-friendly, graphical interface for analyzing survival, engraftment, relapse, mortality, and complications.

Main Methods:

• Developed YORT, an offline graphical tool that processes data from EBMT registry exports.
• Enabled user-defined filters and grouping for customized analyses.
• Automated standardized calculations for overall survival, event-free survival, engraftment, relapse rates, non-relapse mortality, and Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD).
• Demonstrated YORT's utility on a two-year pediatric cohort, visualizing key survival and engraftment metrics.

Main Results:

• YORT successfully performed standardized analyses on HSCT registry data with minimal user effort.
• The tool facilitated graphical visualization of crucial outcomes like overall survival, event-free survival, and engraftment.
• Data export functionality allows for manual verification and further in-depth analyses.

Conclusions:

• Standardized tools like YORT can effectively analyze registry data for outcome reviews.
• YORT simplifies graphical outcome analysis for local and accreditation needs, reducing manual effort.
• The tool's extensible design supports future advancements in outcome review and center-specific requirements.