Development of software for collecting cleft-specific data in Malaysia.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Health Data Management
• Clinical Research Infrastructure

Background:

• The World Health Organization recommends cleft-specific databases for patient data analysis.
• Malaysia currently lacks a dedicated database for cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) patients.
• Existing data collection methods are insufficient for comprehensive CL/P patient care and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a specialized cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) database software for Malaysia.
• To streamline data collection and analysis for CL/P patients.
• To support research aimed at enhancing patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The software development followed stages of requirement determination, interface design, system implementation, testing, and documentation.
• Internal development by a multidisciplinary team including clinicians, software experts, and patient association members.
• Involved user-centered design principles for a clinical database.

Main Results:

• A user-friendly, online and offline database software for CL/P patient information in Malaysia has been successfully developed.
• The system accommodates multiple specialties and can store diverse data types, including images and 3D files.
• Robust data security measures and comprehensive documentation, including video tutorials, were created.

Conclusions:

• A specialized cleft-specific database software has been successfully developed for Malaysia.
• The database will improve data management for CL/P patients.
• This tool is expected to enhance patient care and facilitate research in Malaysia.