Opportunities
SurgEbase: Software for Clinical Audit
The Technology
Clinical audit involves regular monitoring of patient outcomes, normally via retrospectively reviewing patient case notes. This is slow, the information held on hospital data systems is frequently inaccurate, the data is often incomplete, and retrieving and then correcting the information takes a great deal of time. In addition, analysing clinical outcomes in relation to predicted risk of morbidity and mortality is important, but the data collection required is laborious and not routinely undertaken. A consultant surgeon has developed a database (SurgEbase software) for use on a personal digital assistant (PDA).The database allows patient details, surgical procedure and outcomes following surgery to be recorded in theatre and at the bedside. It also allows patient outcomes to be related to predicted risk using established methodology (POSSUM scoring).
The Advantages
- Allows the audit process to be prospective and risk adjusted.
- Data collection is accurate and in real-time at the bedside.
- Patient data can be collected on multiple personal digital assistants (PDAs) and then downloaded rapidly and easily onto a PC for analysis.
- Reduces time required to collect data for clinical audit and consultant appraisals.
The Potential Market
No similar software exists commercially for UK healthcare. All consultants are required to conduct regular audits and their performance is appraised annually. The database is suitable for all procedure-based clinical care (e.g. operations and investigations). In a recent market survey, 85% consultant general surgeons indicated that they would be interested in using the SurgEbase software to audit their work.
The Opportunities
We are seeking a commercial partner experienced in the development and sale of healthcare software to the NHS. A licence arrangement or a collaborative development project, are both possibilities.
The Contact
For more information about this or other technologies available for commercialisation through TrusTECH, contact:
Dr Joanne Thomas
Senior Technology Manager
TrusTECH, Innovation Unit
1st Floor, Postgraduate Centre
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Manchester
M13 9WL
T: 0161 276 6965