Development and implementation of an HIV/AIDS trials management system: a geographical information systems approach

Abstract

Researchers, practitioners and policymakers make decisions at all levels - from local to international. Accessible, integrated and up-to-date evidence is essential for successful and responsive decision-making. A current trials register of randomised and clinically controlled trials of HIV/AIDS interventions can provide invaluable information to decision-making processes. Using the newly emerging geographical information systems (GIS) technology, researchers have developed a tool which assists such decisions. The objective of this study is to demonstrate how the tool provides consistent, quantitative information in an accessible format, making it a key tool in evidence-based decision-making. Methods. The researchers identified all HIV/AIDS trials in relation to publications for the period 1980 - 2007, using both electronic and manual search methods. To facilitate searching the trials register, studies were coded by using a comprehensive but user-friendly coding sheet