Developing a Data Model and an Architecture for a Dental Implant Quality Registry

Abstract

Currently there are 61 quality registries related to healthcare in Norway, contributing to better quality in the care that is provided within the vari- ous areas of healthcare they cover. None of these registries cover fields within the discipline of dentistry. This snapshot of the situation in Norway is mirrored in what is found globally. Whereas quality registries are con- sidered as important systems supporting good research and development of national policies within most areas of healthcare in most countries – clinical research within dentistry most often is based on smaller data sets, whereas policy making has to be based on systematic review articles. With scientific knowledge on how to develop quality registries within den- tal care being absent, this thesis aim at developing an artifact for a dental implant quality registry that can be used within a larger research project to build experience and knowledge in how to develop such a quality reg- istry. First, the needs and requirements for a dental implant quality registry is discussed. Then, an artifact was developed using the design science methodology. By investigating other registries and going through several iterations where the artifact was evaluated by domain experts, the data model was developed. The architecture of existing registries and modern design patterns for web applications were explored and used to design the architecture and the API for the artifact. The availability and reliability of the artifact were tested with success, whereas evaluations were done throughout the development process, with a final evaluation done through a semi-structured interview. Finally, suggestions for future improvements are presented.

Currently there are 61 quality registries related to healthcare in Norway, contributing to better quality in the care that is provided within the vari- ous areas of healthcare they cover. None of these registries cover fields within the discipline of dentistry. This snapshot of the situation in Norway is mirrored in what is found globally. Whereas quality registries are con- sidered as important systems supporting good research and development of national policies within most areas of healthcare in most countries – clinical research within dentistry most often is based on smaller data sets, whereas policy making has to be based on systematic review articles. With scientific knowledge on how to develop quality registries within den- tal care being absent, this thesis aim at developing an artifact for a dental implant quality registry that can be used within a larger research project to build experience and knowledge in how to develop such a quality reg- istry. First, the needs and requirements for a dental implant quality registry is discussed. Then, an artifact was developed using the design science methodology. By investigating other registries and going through several iterations where the artifact was evaluated by domain experts, the data model was developed. The architecture of existing registries and modern design patterns for web applications were explored and used to design the architecture and the API for the artifact. The availability and reliability of the artifact were tested with success, whereas evaluations were done throughout the development process, with a final evaluation done through a semi-structured interview. Finally, suggestions for future improvements are presented.