"We were able to leverage numerous features of the Velos system to create numerous data logic checks to ensure the quality of data entered," continued Spertus. "For example, if a patient is male, the system will not allow a 'post-menopausal' field to be checked. Similarly, insulin could not be registered as a medication without a diagnosis of diabetes. This has helped us a great deal to know that we have valid data upon which we can conduct our planned analyses."

A network of researchers will use the opportunity of having access to this large repository for a variety of studies. Some might want to look at patients' physical functioning after heart attack and some might be interested in depression. Some will study the types of treatments received and the efficacy of medications prescribed upon discharge. The linking of our data to genetic samples also enables numerous genomic and pharmacogenomic analyses to be conducted. A team of statisticians will work full time over the next several years to support this undertaking. The analytic phase of this study kicks off this October with a gathering of research scientists to explore the many studies possible with this registry. "I would guess, over the next five years, we'll probably generate more than a hundred papers," continued Spertus.

"We are honored to be associated with medical research of this magnitude," said John McIlwain, Velos President and CEO. "Functional status is a key to learning best practices. To provide researchers the confidence they need, in order to know that they are working with good data in their research endeavors, is very gratifying."

SOURCE Velos