Abstract
We have developed a databank system for acute stroke patients in Japan that has been in use since 1999. The databank is currently under the management of the Japanese Stroke Association and the number of registered patients has increased to more than 100,000 now. The databank has a distinct feature from that in other countries; the database is basically a stand-alone type, whose data could be utilized for their own purposes. The whole data were analyzed three times so far, and were published in data books. They have provided information about the current status of medical treatment for acute stroke in Japan. There are several progresses in this databank system. A computer program for the transfer of patient data from electric medical chart to the database has been developed, which secures data accuracy in the databank. Furthermore, the data in the database for Diagnosis Procedure Combination could be also transferred to the stroke database. Combined with the medical information, these data render information for the health economics of stroke. The database could be used for the purpose of to increasing the chance of t-PA treatment in acute cerebral infarction. After combining the data of prehospital stroke scale and stroke databank, the feedback information was given to ambulance attendants. It was proved that this feedback system is effective to shorten the onset-to-needle time probably by enhancing their motivations. The stroke databank data could be also linked easily with the clinical path for regional medical liaison, which facilitate smooth cooperation for the long-term medical treatment of stroke patients.
