This User’s Guide is intended to support the design, implementation, analysis, interpretation, and quality evaluation of registries created to increase understanding of patient outcomes. For the purposes of this guide, a patient registry is an organized system that uses observational study methods to collect uniform data (clinical and other) to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a particular disease, condition, or exposure, and that serves one or more predetermined scientific, clinical, or policy purposes. A registry database is a file (or files) derived from the registry. Although registries can serve many purposes, this guide focuses on registries created for one or more of the following purposes: to describe the natural history of disease, to determine clinical effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of health care products and services, to measure or monitor safety and harm, and/or to measure quality of care. Registries are classified according to how their populations are defined. For example, product registries include patients who have been exposed to biopharmaceutical products or medical devices. Health services registries consist of patients who have had a common procedure, clinical encounter, or hospitalization. Disease or condition registries are defined by patients having the same diagnosis, such as cystic fibrosis or heart failure. The User’s Guide was created by researchers affiliated with AHRQ’s Effective Health Care Program, particularly those who participated in AHRQ’s DEcIDE (Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions About Effectiveness) program. Chapters were subject to multiple internal and external independent reviews.

Tory Zellick created this portable, easy to use planner after years of caring for her mother, who was suffering from breast cancer. The organizer is designed to be a helpful tool and guide for those who have taken on the role of caregiver, or for those patients who are healthy enough to care for themselves. As we all know, illness can be an overwhelming part of life. What you have here is a fill-in-the-blank guide to help be proactive throughout the treatment process. With its universal appeal, The Medical Day Planner is the perfect solution for recording vital information for patients of all ages with any ailment. It allows you to easily and conveniently track doctor's information, medication history, treatments, procedures, tests and scans, appointments, and hospitalizations, as well as stay organized with the 52-week day planner. Each section cross-references, allowing you to be fully prepared.