A Flexible Computer System for Renal Transplant Information

Abstract

SummaryRenal transplantation is a life-sustaining treatment for a person whose kidneys cease to function. The duration of graft and patient survival time is extremely variable from patient to patient. A subset of the potential risk factors has been selected for study at the University of Minnesota, where 2,247 renal transplants were performed between January 1, 1968 and December 31, 1985.A computer system for storing and analyzing these risk factors has been successfully implemented at the University of Minnesota. Its design facilitates fast turnaround time, flexibility and timeliness of information. Further, routine operations require a minimum of clinician involvement. A part-time data abstractor collects and updates the information. A full-time biometrician manages and analyzes the data.The renal transplant computer system was implemented in 1976. The system produces reports, generates matched pair control groups and calculates frequencies, crosstabulations and life tables. It is capable of handling clinical trials as well as retrospective studies.