Japanese Multicenter Research of COVID-19 by Assembling Real-world Data: A Study Protocol

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Research
• Data Science

Background:

• Limited data exists on the clinical course and treatment efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients in Japan.
• Existing research gaps hinder effective management and response strategies for COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a comprehensive database of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Japan.
• To facilitate prompt research into unresolved issues concerning COVID-19 clinical management and treatment.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter observational study involving patients with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection discharged between January 1 and September 31, 2020.
• Data collection included clinical, facility, and laboratory information from 66 participating institutions, utilizing the DPC hash application for Diagnosis Procedure Combination data.
• 102 research proposals were selected for analysis, covering epidemiology, pathophysiology, therapeutics, ventilator settings, cost-benefit, and prognosis prediction.

Main Results:

• An efficient data collection system and a dedicated clinical research team for COVID-19 infection studies were successfully established.
• The study facilitated the selection and analysis of 102 diverse research proposals from 66 institutions across Japan.
• Clinical information was systematically gathered, including data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database.

Conclusions:

• The established database and research infrastructure provide a robust platform for ongoing COVID-19 research in Japan.
• The findings are expected to contribute valuable insights for future public health strategies and pandemic preparedness.
• This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative, data-driven approaches in addressing infectious disease outbreaks.