Patient management logistics

Protocols can be a complex set of processes that contain a series of interventions sequenced over time that may have prerequisite or dependent relationships and branching decision points leading to a next step (i.e. sub process) in the protocol. Attempts to view the protocol as a simpler process may result in the interrelationships between components being disrupted. Component processes include recruitment, enrollment, completion of required forms, visit coordination, correspondence, scheduling of planned interventions, and data collection. Understanding the protocol and all of its associated processes is essential to meeting the goals of the research study. This knowledge provides the ability to anticipate and plan for resources needed. It is necessary to go beyond the use of a database to meet the needs of the research study. This can be achieved by combining the right methodology to structure data and streamline processes with the informatics technology to integrate the pieces. This approach seamlessly links the entire array of processes into a logical flow allowing the team to become extremely efficient. Improved communication of patient status, coordination of care, coordination of resources, real-time monitoring, and compliance to both the research and care processes are natural by-products. The focus of this paper is on one aspect, the logistics of all of the processes and sub-processes involved in the management of the subject during the research study.