A clear need exists for a standardised national OPAT database that centres can use locally to capture and monitor the OPAT patient journey.
A BSAC Working Party lead by Mark Gilchrist from Imperial has developed the BSAC OPAT Database Tool which will be freely available for centres across the UK to use.
There are four basic sections that allow you to enter patient details and then be able to report on those that have been discharged into the database.
The database allows you to:
- Admit patients via the preadmission section
- Edit patients via the virtual ward, examining the drop down menu choices
- Discharge patients to the database
- Search the database for archived patients
- Examine the questionnaire
- View and export reports via the reporting function
- Make the database bespoke to your local needs through the admin section
National Registry
A further development of the database is the entry of local data into a national registry which will enable BSAC to share amalgamated anonymous data nationally to understand the uptake of OPAT service in the UK. There will be no more than 10 pieces of information requested from centres on a 6 monthly basis. A form will be available from this page for you to enter your own local information.
Technical questions
To help centres prepare for downloading the official database, we have designed some answers to the anticipated IT department questions. This document is available here. If you have specific technical questions from your IT department, further help can be obtained by emailing DFoster@bsac.org.uk.
Test database
Testing of the database has now concluded.
Feedback
If you have any other comments about the database, we would welcome them and you should send these to database@e-opat.com
Official database release
The database will be rolled out to 30 centres across the UK and Ireland commencing September 2011. If you wish to be considered for inclusion in the roll-out programme, please email Debbie Foster, OPAT Project Coordinator – dfoster@bsac.org.uk