["ARCHIDIA": a system for patients' data collection and computerized filing. Part I. Methodology]

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Clinical Data Management
• Intensive Care Medicine

Background:

• Clinical data collection in intensive care units (ICUs) often lacks standardization, hindering large-scale analysis.
• Developing a unified approach is crucial for comparative studies and improving patient care.
• Existing methodologies require a structured system for consistent data interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the ARCHIDIA system, a computer-based program for patient clinical data collection.
• To establish a standardized methodology for diagnostic formulation using coded criteria.
• To facilitate a common language for data interpretation across different ICUs.

Main Methods:

• Development of the ARCHIDIA system based on descriptive analysis and well-defined methodological criteria.
• Utilization of a sequence of codes for diagnosis, with defined conditions for controlled and independent code usage.
• Derivation of criteria from existing medical literature.

Main Results:

• A one-year pilot study involving 4 ICUs demonstrated the system's feasibility.
• In 1991, ARCHIDIA was adopted by 20 centers, collecting data from 4148 patients.
• The system facilitated a common diagnostic language, enabling uniform data collection.

Conclusions:

• The ARCHIDIA system provides a standardized approach to clinical data collection in ICUs.
• It promotes a common language, essential for large-scale descriptive, analytic, and prospective studies.
• The system's successful implementation indicates its potential to enhance multi-center research and collaboration.