The UKNG database: a simple audit tool for interventional neuroradiology

The UK Neurointerventional Group (UKNG) has developed a unified database for the purposes of recording, analysis and clinical audit of neuroangiography and neurointerventional procedures. It has been in use since January 2002. The database utilizes an Access platform (Microsoft) comprising separate but linked programs for data collection and analysis. The program that analyses aneurysm therapy has been designed to mirror the criteria used in the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT). Data entered into the main database immediately update the analysis program producing clinical outcome scores in the form of a report. Our local database (Wessex) now contains records on more than 1,750 patients including nearly 350 aneurysm coilings and a total of approximately 500 neurointerventional, vascular procedures. Every time a new piece of information is added to the main database the reporting database is automatically updated which allows 'real-time' audit and analysis of one's clinical practice. The clinical outcome scores for aneurysm treatment are presented in such a way that we can directly compare our results with the 'Clinical Standard' set by ISAT. This database provides a unique opportunity to monitor and review practice at national level. The UKNG wishes to share this database with the wider neurointerventional community and a copy of the software can be obtained free of charge from the authors.