Abstract
BACKGROUND: Use of electronic protocols for data collection and storage enables clinical research to be conducted dynamically, contributing to medical advances. OBJECTIVES: To create an electronic data base for collection of clinical and surgical data on chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), to facilitate production of scientific studies. METHODS: Initially, a database was constructed by means of a bibliographic review of text books and relevant scientific articles for all vascular diseases and then a database on CVI was extracted. These data were computerized using the Integrated Electronic Protocols System (SINPE©) and then assessed in a pilot project. RESULTS: The multidisciplinary electronic protocol for vascular diseases covered the following items: history taking, physical examination, work-up tests, types of treatment, and progression. Using these items, a master protocol was created containing 6,145 items, and then a CVI-specific protocol containing 2,877 items was compiled. The protocol's functionality was tested in a pilot project, collecting data from medical records. The information collected was analyzed and illustrated graphically. CONCLUSIONS: It proved possible to create an electronic protocol for collection of clinical and surgical data on CVI. The protocol was incorporated into the SINPE©, greatly facilitating production of scientific research in the area.