Abstract
The management of infertile couples requires continual monitoring of their response to treatment and the recording of embryological, endocrine and test result data. While historically this has occurred on paper, collecting this information digitally offers many advantages. This chapter compares the use of relational databases to spreadsheets and uses the results of an international survey on computer use in the ART laboratory to show that databases are the preferred option. It does not matter whether such databases are programmed in-house or purchased as a commercial package. While the former approach offers more flexibility the latter may be preferable in a start-up clinic. The amount of data collected and how it should be organised and used is also discussed. Finally, use of the data management system as part of the ART Units Quality System is considered with specific emphasis on key performance indicators, staff competency and quality control.
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Tyler, J.P.P. (2016). Data Management in the ART Unit. In: Fleming, S., Varghese, A. (eds) Organization and Management of IVF Units. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29373-8_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-29373-8_10
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