RPMIS: The Roswell Park Management Information System

This paper presents a generalized approach to data entry and editing utilizing formatted video computer terminals. The purpose of the system developed is to facilitate the creation of many small data bases, with a minimum of implementation time, while maintaining extensive editing capability and preserving ease of use by data entry personnel. RPMIS has demonstrated its utility in shortening the time between research activities and clinical application of results. The system allows entry and retrieval of overlapping subsets of the patient's record in an order and format most appropriate to the individual application. It is used for production of synoptic presentations of information from the labs, the ward and the clinic. RPMIS was designed for the clinical trials setting and has been well received and implemented for numerous such studies. Additional uses have included several registries, screening clinics, retrospective studies, and epidemiologic investigations. The system has found fortuitous use in maintaining curriculum vitae, publications lists and continuing medical education credits.