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Using software agents to maintain autonomous patient registries for clinical research
S N Murphy1, U H Rabbani, G O Barnett
1Laboratory of Computer Science, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
Summary
Mobile software agents autonomously manage patient research databases, acquiring, copying, and reporting data. This approach enhances data integrity and distributes computing load efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Maintaining patient research databases (patient registries) requires efficient data acquisition and management.
- Integrating data from various sources, including clinician input and hospital databases, presents significant challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement autonomous mobile software agents for maintaining patient research databases.
- To enhance data integrity and streamline data management processes in clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mobile software agents programmed for autonomous operation.
- Agents were designed to navigate network security, interact with legacy systems, and self-protect.
- Employed Java, a platform-independent language, for agent programming and distribution.
Main Results:
- Successfully acquired data from clinicians and copied data from hospital databases into registries.
- Enabled reporting of data from patient registries.
- Distributed computing tasks to underutilized host machines, optimizing resource utilization.
Conclusions:
- Mobile software agents provide an effective solution for autonomous patient database maintenance.
- The use of agents enhances data management efficiency and system robustness.
- Platform-independent programming facilitated system integration and reduced reliance on hospital infrastructure.