National registry of Myocardial Infarction: Strategies for a developing country

Abstract Background Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death in the world. Implementation of disease registry can decrease the disease burden. Objective This study aimed at the presentation of the national registry strategies for Myocardial Infarction (MI) in Iran based on a comparative research through holding focus group meetings with specialists, which can provide appropriate strategies for the development of the MI registry. Methods With a mixed-method approach, a descriptive-comparative research was first done for gathering data, and then focus group meetings were performed for presenting strategies. The study population consisted of the Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) national registry of the United States of America (USA), Switzerland, and Malaysia. Data were collected by the study of all relevant documents about the research subject and interviews with MI data registry center experts in Isfahan (the first MI registry in Iran). Data were analyzed via comparative tables. Two focus group meetings were held to present the MI national registry strategies in Iran. Results This research suggested strategies for the national registry of MI in seven distinctive categories in Iran, namely general aspects, registry purposes, registry inclusion criteria, data gathering methods, data elements, data processing methods, and information distribution methods. Data collection can be done by both paper-based and electronic. In our proposed solutions, data elements are classified into ten categories and data analysis into nine categories. In any way, all data collected must be transferred to a central database under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Data analysis can be conducted online and periodically. Authorized users and their access level are defined to get information in text, table, or chart. Conclusions To develop a useful MI national registry for all stakeholders, determining the aims of the registry can be the first stage. Data collection methods can include paper-based, software-based, or online, but data processing must be performed on the essential data and clear information must be distributed for authorized users based on their access levels.