Data Management of Surgical Patients Using Excel Macro

Lee, Jung Won; Chang, Myung Chul; Oh, Seung Keun

Abstract

PURPOSE
A management of patient data is important for clinical research and statistics. The data from an order communication system (OCS) is not easily accessible, but the data can be duplicated with a previously developed patient database system. Therefore, we tried to develop a new patient data management program linked with an OCS, which is suitable to clinicians' need.
METHODS
We developed a program using a Macro function in Microsoft Excel. The program consisted of two parts: a data-retrieving part from an OCS and a report-making part. From an OCS, the patient data was retrieved and stored in an Excel sheet format for further clinical research. The program analyzed the data and made daily, monthly and yearly reports.
RESULTS
The program consisted of data-storing excel sheets and program codes. It made a daily inpatient report, a weekly surgical patient report and a yearly statistical report according to the name of the operations and the subspecialties. Pressing buttons linked with codes controlled the operation of the program. The program was easily modified according to the user's needs.
CONCLUSION
We developed an easy-to-use spreadsheet based on a patient data management program. This program will be helpful for clinical work, including research and statistics.