Highlights: Component database re-design

As new types of device come on to the market and technologies change, it is essential that the NJR is able to classify the device accurately and with sufficient data to enable a detailed analysis.  A project has been underway, in conjunction with EPRD, the German registry, to implement a common database structure and classification system.  This work has been completed for hips and knees and the new database will go live in 2016.  All data from the existing database will be mapped to the new structure and suppliers will be required to add additional information into the new database for existing implants: this process is expected to take some time.  In order to assist the process of uploading, editing and maintaining implant data, a new online application has been developed in conjunction with industry.  The data management tool was demonstrated at the annual meeting of ISAR in May 2016.

It is also clear that the current classification of shoulder implants does not support the use of the many types of devices in use and the NJR is working with shoulder surgeons to undertake a complete re-classification of the component database and its associated business rules.  The current classification has been in use since the NJR first started to collect data on shoulder joint replacement and there has been a significant increase in the types of shoulder implant available for use.  The result has been excessive use of the ‘Manual override’ function within the data entry system, whereby users can bypass the built-in business rules.  Data will be mapped into the new classification so that the existing data can be used for analyses and reporting.