Annex A > Chapter 19 - Statistics Relating to the Clinical Performance of Paediatric Cardiac Surgical Services in Bristol Compared with Other Specialist Centres during the Period 1984 to 1995 > Statistics relating to clinical performance produced by the clinicians in Bristol > The METASA System and the Patient Analysis and Tracing System

The METASA System and the Patient Analysis and Tracing System

38 Mr Jonathan Hutter described in his written evidence to the Inquiry the efforts made to introduce computerised data collection in the Department of Cardiac Surgery. [62] He stated that in 1990 Mr Wisheart:

`... was negotiating to buy hardware and software from the METASA company for the purpose of developing a database of patients having cardiac surgery in order to facilitate research and audit. ... This was purchased from Mr Wisheart's fund, which had been donated by patients who wished to express their gratitude by making a monetary donation to the fund run for this purpose by Mr Wisheart.' [63]

39 Mr Hutter explained that Mr Wisheart correctly anticipated that computerised audit would become essential and was keen to be at the forefront of its development. Mr Wisheart's fund provided the finance for the purchase of both the METASA system and, later, the Patient Analysis and Tracing System (PATS).

40 Mr Hutter stated that he developed a data set of questions designed to assist audit, or `retrospective research projects on analysis of results (the old name for audit)'. [64] The intention was to develop two data sets, one for adults and one for children. However, as someone who operated on adults, he stated that he decided to concentrate on developing the adult system first: `... with the intention of assisting in the development of the paediatric data set once the adult system was up and running satisfactorily'. [65]

41 Mr Hutter stated that problems were experienced, such that the PATS system never produced data complete enough to be useful, and never functioned effectively during the period of the Inquiry's Terms of Reference. [66]

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Footnotes

[62] WIT 0096 0002 Mr Hutter

[63] WIT 0096 0002 Mr Hutter

[64] WIT 0096 0007 Mr Hutter

[65] WIT 0096 0002 Mr Hutter

[66] WIT 0096 0008 Mr Hutter