Basic information requirements for designing COVID-19 disease registration system

Collecting data related to COVID-19 disease can significantly impact the management of this pandemic. One of the tools that can be helpful in controlling this disease is developing registry. This study aimed to determine the technical and data requirements of the registry for COVID-19. Databases with keywords related to 'COVID-19' and 'registry' were searched. The existing registries in COVID-19 in Iran and other countries were examined. To finalise the data elements, focus group sessions were held with experts. Thirteen main data classes were identified: Demographic information, critical dates, type of sample, patient condition, signs and symptoms, history of smoking and consuming narcotics, history of drugs consumption, imaging finding, differential diagnoses of a severe respiratory disease syndrome, underlying conditions, complications of the disease, respiratory support and discharge outcomes. Determining data requirements is the first step in developing a registry that can create a standard infrastructure for consistent data collection. © 2022 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.. All rights reserved.