About the LASIK, PRK, and Phakic IOLs Outcomes Analysis Software
Data Entry
How do I add the second eye of a patient who undergoes surgery in both eyes?
Fill out the first two pages of the patient record for the FIRST EYE or fill out the one page Quick Entry page. Click the Duplicate Patient button. On the duplicate, go to the Eye Operated field at the top and change it to the mate eye. You now have two records that are the same except that one is for the right eye and the other is for the left eye. Note: If you wish to add a second eye AT A LATER DATE after the first record has been entered, go to the second (Referral) page and then click duplicate record. Next enter the data for the first Patient contact page.
How do I add a third eye of a patient who had an attempted procedure in the first eye but did not undergo surgery? Now that same eye is about to undergo a definitive procedure. The program will not allow me to enter a duplicate record.
Go to the second (Referral) page and then click duplicate record. Next enter the data for the first Patient contact page. A second option is to enter the same Last name and date of birth; just remove one letter from the first name so you can enter this eye OR place a space after the last name and then tab to a new field. Fill in all other information just the same.
Can I change the name of a field?
No. All field names are fixed.
Can I modify the fields?
You can modify ALL fields that have pop-up menus as well as those in the Preferences menu on the HOME page. You cannot modify any other fields.
Do I have to fill in every field?
No. The Quick Entry page contains the minimal fields that MUST be filled for the program to perform the basic analyses. The fields you must fill in to get a minimum of useful data are the fields highlighted in PINK. The program will not be able to make analyses if the pink fields are not filled in. The program will not let you move off a layout until the minimal data fields are filled in. The more fields you fill in, the more sophisticated the data you can extract from the program will be.
I entered a last name on a record. Now I want to enter someone else with the same last (or first) name. If a patient has the same first name, last name and date of birth, the program beeps me. How do I continue?
The beep is a warning to make sure you don't duplicate an entry. The program checks for the same first name, the same last name, and the date of birth. Go to the second (Referral) page and then click duplicate record. Next enter the data for the first Patient contact page. As an alternative, click OK and enter the name, but remove one letter from the first name to avoid the error OR enter a blank space after either the first or last name.
Can I add fields?
No. The quantity of fields is fixed.
When I attempt to enter visual acuity data into the logMar fields, I get an error message and I can't enter the numbers.
In v3.5 or greater, either the Decimal acuity OR Snellen acuity is entered into the pink help fields on the bottom of each layout . No matter which one is used, the logMar acuity is entered into the proper acuity fields for you.
When I attempt to enter plus cylinder data I get an error message.
The error message tells the user they do NOT need to enter the plus (+) sign for plus cylinder cases. The program assumes that unless one enters a minus (-) sign before data, the data is plus. This saves data entry time.
I use European date entry. Can I use this date format in the program?
Yes. When the program is first opened, it looks at your computer's preferences set up and will use whatever date format that has been selected. The program uses dates to calculate follow up periods. Remember to enter all four (4) digits of the year. If you enter 2/14 and not the year, the program will assume it is for the current year.
Importing Data
I have records in MS Excel™, MS Access™, Act™ or other format. Can I download these records into the LASIK, PRK, and Intacs™ Outcomes Analysis Software program?
Yes. The instructions are in the help file "How To Import Records" and a help movie on the CD. This function is automated by clicking the Import from Excel button on the OPTIONS menu. If you are able to place your data in SYLK format, comma separated format, or Excel workbook format, the data can be imported.
I am attempting to import data from my Excel™ spreadsheet. The data I imported was garbled, or some of the data went into the incorrect field in my Outcomes Analysis Database program.
The problem occurs if there was incorrect data in the Excel columns, i.e. visual acuity data in a keratometry column. Another common error is to list the eye operated as OD or OS, but the program expects right or left entered in the column. If the data was correctly entered into the correct column, but was transferred to the incorrect field after importing, there was an error in the order of the Excel columns. The program assumes all of the requested columns were present on the spreadsheet. Recheck and do not delete any columns. Even if you do not have any data for a given column, leave that column blank. Read the Help file: Importing data from Excel and view the Help movie of the same name.
I wish to update from an older version to a newer one, but when I make the update, the incorrect information is in the incorrect field or the numbers are garbled.
The cause of this problem is most likely that the data in the original program was either in the incorrect field or was of the incorrect format or the file used to make the update was the LASIK DB Solution.exe file and not the LASIK.usr file. Recheck the data in your original version. Please read the two help files: How to Update and How to Combine Records from One Computer to another. View the help movies as well. If your data on the old program is correct and in the correct field, and the update is incorrect, send us ALL of your files and we will update the program for you or send you a program version that will do it for you.
Data Analysis
Can I use the program to study the results of more than one surgeon?
Yes. The program is licensed for and allows three (3) surgeons to be entered. This is done automatically the first time the program is run or by clicking the Surgeons button under the Preferences menu on the HOME page. If more than three surgeons need to be studied, the number of surgeons licensed will be established during your registration process when you buy the program. Up to 38 surgeons can be analyzed.
Can I use the program on more than one computer?
Yes. Your license allows you to load the program on as many computers as you own with no restrictions. Instructions for networking the program are in the help file "Networking" on the CD. Also see the help file How to Synchronize Records.
If I use the program on more than one computer, how do I collate (compare) the data? Also see the help files How to Combine Records from One computer to Another and How to Synchronize files.
Let's say there are three computers in one office for three surgeons. A data-entry person enters data on one patient on computer A, another data-entry person enters data on computer B for a DIFFERENT PATIENT, and another data-entry person enters data on computer C for a THIRD PATIENT.
NOTE
As long as data is entered on different patients on the same day, the data can be collated. If, however, the same patient has data input on the same day even if the data is for different fields in the record, there will be a problem capturing all of the data.
The first and easiest way to collect data for all surgeons is to use one computer for data entry. All charts that are to have data entered are placed in one location. At a certain time or a certain day, an assigned data-entry person records the data in the program.
A second way to collect data using multiple computers is to designate one computer's program as the main (server) program. In the above example, it would be computer A. At the end of the day, the data-entry person collects the programs from computers B and C. Following the instructions in the document file "How to Import Records," the data-entry person imports (i.e. they update the files using the Update button from the Options Page) into computer A only the records from computers B and C THAT HAVE BEEN UPDATED. (Do not import ALL the records on computer B or C; otherwise, one will erase any updates of files updated in computer A). If the same patient is on more than one computer, there will be a duplication of records for the same patient and eye. The data-entry person for computer A can eliminate the OLDER record for that patient (eye) or keep it for later.
A third method requires all computers on a local network to have the Outcomes Analysis Software program and a copy of FileMakerPro v. 7.0 or later. One computer will be designated as the server, and all data will be entered into that computer via the local area network. For details, see the help file "Networking" on the CD. The Help file How to Combine records from one computer to another further explains the different choices.
Can I transfer data among computers and programs with impunity to patient, eye operated, time of day, etc?
Yes. See item 5 above.
Can the program perform regression analysis?
Yes. The program can analyze your data for EACH case you enter when you have completed entering preoperative and operative data. In the Surgery Page layout, click the Regression tab.
If you desire your own individual regression formula, you need to do the following:
- Select the records you wish to study using one of the specific finds or the custom find screens
- Under the Options menu, select Export to Excel
- Export the selected records.
- Open Microsoft Excel and then open the newly exported file
- Label each of the columns
- Use this file in your statistic package to perform the regression.
Can the program perform graphic and statistical analyses?
Yes. The program produces bar charts for uncorrected acuity levels of 20/40 and 20/20 and the % of eyes +/- 0.5 D and 1 D of emmetropia, a bar chart for cumulative UCVA, a bar chart for lines of acuity gained and lost, and it creates a scattergraph of the attempted correction vs. the achieved correction. Statistics include range, mean, and standard deviation. A total of 26 charts are possible. If more graphic or statistical analysis is needed, the program can automatically download your data into MS Excel™. To download the data into MS Excel, go to the OPTIONS menu, click the button Export to Excel, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Can the program generate a personal nomogram for me?
Yes. On the Analyze Data layout, click the Nomogram button. The following screen allows you to select the surgeon, preoperative diagnosis, laser used, microkeratome used, and follow-up period. A large table is generated for each diopter range for each 10-year age range displaying the mean postoperative spherical equivalent for each category. See the help file "Perform Outcomes Analysis."
If you desire a more specific nomogram or a regression analysis, you can do so by following the instructions above under the heading of regression analyses.
I wish to perform one of the automatic analyses found on the Analyze Data screen. I fill out the search criteria and receive an error message that no records can be found. I am certain I have records in the program.
The program has set search criteria. It looks for the criteria you have selected, e.g. a diagnosis of myopia and a specific laser. Since the program reports visual acuity data and refractive error data, if you have not recorded this information, those records will be excluded. If you have not entered a follow up data, the program will skip those records as it looks for records containing a specific follow up period. And obviously, if the incorrect data is entered, i.e. acuity data in a keratometry field, the search will turn up no records.
General Questions
I can't find my manual (the help files or help movies, or my main program(s)).
The install program places the files you need into your a file called LASIKDB that is in your PROGRAM FILES folder that is found in the C drive of your computer (PC versions). Look in the Program Files Folder and you will find the folder labeled: LASIKDBSolutionvx. If you accidentally discard your shortcut icon, simply open the LASIKDB file, and drag the icon of the program: LASIKdb solution v5.x.exe to your desktop and a new shortcut icon will be created.
I have been using the program successfully. Now when I start the program I get an error message: " Can't locate file…:" . What has happened?
The Outcomes Analysis program uses separate files to perform certain functions. If you have loaded the program more than once, there will be duplicate files with the SAME names. When the platform program FileMakerPro boots up, it may find the incorrect file that belongs to one of the previous files. Then an error message appears asking the user to locate the proper file. Another reason for these errors to appear is from not shutting the program down by clicking the Quit button on the home page.
If either of these things happens, here are the steps you need to take to rectify the problem.
- Make several copies of the file " LASIKDB.USR and LASIKDB Solution.exe" . Leave one copy in the LASIK DB folder that is in your program's folder.
- Remove ALL files from all previous installs. They will all be in your Program's Folder on your C drive. Remove the Home.fp7, Letters.fp7, Save.fp7, and the six (6) files that end in .DLL.
- Place the original program CD into your computer and re-install the program.
- Open the NEW program and register it with you original registration number.
- Go to the Options menu from the Home page and click; Update. Locate the LASIKDB.usr file that you saved from your previous version. Update that version. Now you have a new program.
- Once you are satisfied that the new program is working, place the OLD LASIKDB.usr file on a flash drive, a CD ROM, or Zip disk and store it in a safe place.
- Make a back up copy of the new program and also store it in a safe place.
I suddenly see an error message that there are two versions of the program and the program asks me to contact technical support. What has happened?
The program has detected that you have a duplicate set of files somewhere on your computer environment, either in your C or d drive, on a Zip disk, in you're My Documents folder, in your Briefcase folder, on your desktop, or possibly in a file in a computer actively connected to your active computer. Go to the start menu and select the search program. These are the fields you must look for: Home.fp7, Letters.fp7, Save.fp7, LASIK.usr, LASIKDBSolution.exe. Find all of these files and discard the OLD versions being sure you have made duplicates of your most recent file (LASIK.usr or LASIK.fmp7).
My Windows program has crashed and/or my computer has crashed or the power was lost. When I open my program I see an error message that the file is corrupted and cannot be opened.
Find your last saved copy that is labeled: LASIKcopy.fp7. Place it in the SAME folder as the other files, i.e. the LASIKDB Solution folder in your Program Files folder in your C drive. Remove the corrupted file labeled: Lasik.usr (or Lasik). Rename the back up file to : Lasik . Create a shortcut icon for it and place that icon on your desktop.
If you have failed to make a back up copy, you will have to send us the entire program on a zip disk. Be sure to alert technical support about the problem via our e-mail address (lasiksupport@aol.com). Include the five files: Home.fp7, Letters.fp7, Save.fp7, Lasik.usr, LASIKDBv5.x Solution.exe on the CD or flash drive.
After I have loaded the program from the CD, I do not see a shortcut icon on my desktop and I can't open the program.
During the installation process, files are placed into the folder labeled: LASIKDB Soultion inside your Program Files folder in your C drive. A shortcut icon for the file LASIK.usr is automatically made and placed on the desktop. If you do not see one after following the installation steps, then re-insert the CD and re-install the program. If you still do not see a shortcut icon, there may be an incompatibility in your system software. Try installing the CD program on a DIFFERENT computer to see it the problem is a local one. If this installation does not work, return the CD ROM to us and we will send another.
Download Refractive Outcomes Trial Software Today
Outcomes Analysis Software, Inc.
2500 6th Avenue, Ste. 307 - San Diego, CA 92103 - US
Phone/Fax: 619-702-7963
Email: lasiksupport@aol.com
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