Abstract
Objective Visual cohort analysis utilizing electronic health record data has become an important
tool in clinical assessment of patient outcomes. In this article, we introduce Composer,
a visual analysis tool for orthopedic surgeons to compare changes in physical functions
of a patient cohort following various spinal procedures. The goal of our project is
to help researchers analyze outcomes of procedures and facilitate informed decision-making
about treatment options between patient and clinician.
Methods In collaboration with orthopedic surgeons and researchers, we defined domain-specific
user requirements to inform the design. We developed the tool in an iterative process
with our collaborators to develop and refine functionality. With Composer, analysts
can dynamically define a patient cohort using demographic information, clinical parameters,
and events in patient medical histories and then analyze patient-reported outcome
scores for the cohort over time, as well as compare it to other cohorts. Using Composer's
current iteration, we provide a usage scenario for use of the tool in a clinical setting.
Conclusion We have developed a prototype cohort analysis tool to help clinicians assess patient
treatment options by analyzing prior cases with similar characteristics. Although
Composer was designed using patient data specific to orthopedic research, we believe
the tool is generalizable to other healthcare domains. A long-term goal for Composer
is to develop the application into a shared decision-making tool that allows translation
of comparison and analysis from a clinician-facing interface into visual representations
to communicate treatment options to patients.
Keywords
cohort analysis - visualization - support - comparisons
