CIGAS is a suite of software applications designed to facilitate the gathering and analysis of clinical data, empowering clinical research. CIGAS uses the latest Internet-based technologies to permit both data collection and selective queries to be carried out through standard browser software in single- or multi-user environments. The CIGAS system consists of three distinct software modules:
Data storage in CIGAS is flexible and readily extensible. There is support for different clinical departments and data types. Some of the characteristics of the data organization in CIGAS include
Data entry in CIGAS is designed to facilitate clinical research by providing efficient entry, editing, and retrieval by clinical personnel. At the point of entry, the clinician has full visibility into the clinical database, permitting early detection of data errors and resolution of data quality issues. The clinician can define patient populations of interest and view the distributions of clinical observations across defined populations and the relationship between observations. Populations of interest can be compared and clinical trends in the data can easily be detected. New protocols can be implemented rapidly with clinicians designing new data capture forms. Communication with other members of the research team -- such as IT personnel, data managers, and statisticians -- is facilitated by the CIGAS resources.
The interactive query system in CIGAS assists the clinician in formulating ad hoc queries of the database. Queries are constructed in steps by making selections from drop-down lists based on the database structure, so the clinician does not need to learn a query language or wait for IT personnel to implement the query. Results of queries are typically available in seconds and can be presented in tabular or graphic form. The clinician can choose which findings to display from the retrieved cases. Basic statistical calculations on the query results are also available. Examples of some of the graphic displays of query results are shown in the next section.
The CIGAS system is a multi-tier, Internet-based application that is highly scalable. The user -- clinician or administrator -- accesses the system through a standard Internet browser. The intermediate layer is based on Microsoft Server and .NET technologies and utilizes Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) to deliver data entry and query pages. The back end database is Oracle 9i.
CIGAS can be deployed on a single computer or as a two- or three-tiered system. The Oracle database, IIS server process, and browser can all run on one computer. In a two-tiered system, the database and IIS process reside on one server and clinicians can access the system from any networked workstation having browser software. The database can also be separated from IIS if that is desirable for data center organization, creating a three-tiered system.
The first installation of CIGAS was completed in 2005 with testing of the system continuing into 2006. As of December, 2006, this first system is fully operational and CIGAS is now available for installation in other clinical settings. Departments interested in CIGAS should contact Simulation Resources, Inc. to discuss possible customization of the database structure and pricing.