A new registry of MRI in prostate cancer diagnosis using the REDCap electronic data capture program.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is a burgeoning literature on the utility of MRI in prostate cancer diagnosis. The rapid uptake of this diagnostic modality requires granular data capture for quality assurance of its purported diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to create a web-based registry enabling multicenter user-friendly real-time data entry for this purpose. MATERIALS & METHODS: The REDCap application was accessed through Monash University as a partner in the worldwide REDCap consortium. A registry was built for men undergoing MRI for suspicion of significant prostate cancer (either as a new diagnosis or on active surveillance for previously diagnosed low-risk disease). The registry was created using REDCap's Online Designer. RESULTS: Eighteen granular data collection instruments were created, including instruments for patient demographics, MRI findings, transperineal biopsy results, prostatectomy specimen pathology, and repeated MRI and biopsy findings for active surveillance. Instruments included dropdown boxes and branching logic for ease of data entry. To date, the registry has been populated on 995 consecutive patients. CONCLUSION: The rapid uptake of MRI in prostate cancer diagnosis requires large volume multicenter data capture for quality assurance. REDCap appears to be a suitable application for this purpose. To our knowledge this is the first registry of prostate MRI using REDCap. This web-based program facilitates multicenter collaboration, real-time data entry, and automatic export into common statistical packages.