The MATE software is an application of PROforma decision support technology which was developed by Cancer Research UK and is now being further developed and maintained at Oxford University.

MATE is a Computerised Decision Support (CDS) tool developed in the UCL Cancer Institute at the Royal Free Hospital. MATE assists in preparing for, and when making and documenting clinical decisions during the cancer multidisciplinary meeting. It is now being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial in the Hospital breast cancer unit "WorldVistA was formed to extend and improve the VistA health information system for use outside of its original setting. The system was developed by the U.S. government for use in its veterans' hospitals and outpatient clinics. WorldVistA has a number of development efforts aimed at adding new software modules such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and other functions not used in the veterans' healthcare setting."

Features of MATE include:

• Forms-based data recording direct to a secure database.
• Automatic creation of clinical summary for each patient
• Patient-focused decision support including individualized clinical assessments (diagnosis, prognosis etc) and management suggestions (e.g. chemotherapy, adjuvant therapy) compliant with national and international clinical guidelines.
• Prompts and reminders (e.g. for eligibility in trials)
• Explanations of the logical rationale and evidence are available for every suggestion.
• A fast interactive clinical user interface which evaluates all available clinical facts and updates clinical suggestions in real time.

Mate screen shot illustrating MDM summary

MATE Planned developments

• Versions for other common cancers (e.g. lung, colon)
• Web-based delivery of data capture and decision support services where required
• Support for following up decisions, managing workflow,
• Incorporation of 3rd party cancer imaging services
• Patient services
• Service monitoring and adverse event recording
• Support for capturing clinical experience, feedback into research

Mate in use

Background

MATE is being developed as part of the CREDO research programme which aims to show how advanced informatics can support healthcare professionals and patients throughout the cancer journey. A short video called Safe and Sound explains the longer term goals and capabilities of the CREDO project (www.clinicalfutures.org/video).

PROforma was created for building CDS and workflow management systems. It has been used for a wide variety of applications in oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery and in primary care.

If you want to know more about PROforma and its applications visit www.openclinical.org and search for "PROforma" or contact Prof. John Fox, Department of Engineering Science in Oxford.