Research

Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the AVLS PRO Venous Registry. Click on the question below to be taken to the answer. If you have a question about the registry that is not addressed in the FAQ, please click here.

1. Why is the AVLS collecting data?

   The AVLS spent two years developing the PRO Venous Registry as a tool for practitioners and researchers to aggregate meaningful, real-world clinical data and outcomes from the heterogenetic venous disease population. A registry remains the most powerful tool to address the epidemiology of a disease state, and is the answer to expensive randomized trials.

2. What data is being collected?

   The AVLS PRO Venous Registry collects more than 600 data fields from the wide range of venous disease states and complications, as well as patient reported outcomes.

3. What does “PRO” mean?

   PRO stands for Patient Reported Outcomes, or data collected directly from the patient through a separate survey mechanism.

4. Who will have access to the data?

   The AVLS PRO Venous Registry is a research and benchmarking tool. As a basic user, you will have access to your specific data, as well as the aggregated data of the full database to compare against your own.

5. Will anyone have access to MY data?

   You will be the only one able to access your own data. Your data will comprise part of the total aggregate, but is de-identified relative to your practice.

6. What HIPAA/security protocols are followed?

   Data entry, transmission and collection is HIPAA compliant and each segment in the transmission chain maintains industry-standard data security protocols insuring guaranteed confidentiality for both user and patient.

7. Do I have to be an AVLS member to participate?

   No, participation in the AVLS Pro Venous Registry is open to all vein care practitioners and researchers.

8. How much does the AVLS PRO Venous Registry cost?

   The cost is $1,500 per login.

9. How do I get my data into the AVLS PRO Venous Registry?

   You can enter your data in two ways:
   Using an AVLS certified EHR system (see website for a list of certified EHR vendors). AVLS certified EHR systems export the data in a way that it is easily imported into the AVLS PRO Venous Registry without error and without duplicative effort.
   Manually entering the data directly into the AVLS PRO Venous Registry

10. What EHR systems are currently compatible with the AVLS PRO Venous Registry?

    If you have an interest please contact us with your EHR questions.

11. What does “AVLS Certified” mean?

    AVLS certification of an EHR vendor simply means that the vendor is able to export a data set which meets pre-established AVLS criteria. AVLS certification is not an endorsement of any particular EHR system, but a way of determining whether an EHR meets the specific criteria necessary for importing data into the AVLS PRO Venous Registry.

12. Can I participate without an EHR system?

    Yes, you can simply enter your data directly into the AVLS PRO Venous Registry manually.

13. Is the AVLS PRO Venous Registry PQRS certified?

    The AVLS PRO Venous Registry is currently not PQRS certified, but the AVLS is working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service on the process.

14. Are social security numbers mandatory?

    Social security numbers are optional.

15. Does participation in the AVLS PRO Venous Registry fulfill MOC?

    This is left to the discretion of each individual state medical board. Please check with your board for their requirements.

16. What types of files are accepted?

    Comma Separated Values (CSV) files are accepted.

17. What are SF-6D and SQOR-V?

    The SF-6D and SQOR-V are patient reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires used to assess treatment outcomes. The Short Form 6-D (SF-6D) is a generic health related quality of life tool, while the Specific Quality of Life & Outcomes Response–Venous (SQOR-V) is a disease specific clinical outcome measure. Both tools should be cognitively undemanding to the patient, and require no more than a few minutes to complete.
    
    SF-6D requires patients to grade their perceived state of health for features of physical functioning, role limitation, social functioning, pain/discomfort, and mental health. Realizing that cultural differences exist, the SF-6D has been translated, tested, and validated in dozens of countries and each value reported from the questionnaire is culturally weighted for mathematical interpretation.
    
    SQOR-V is a venous disease specific tool that has been widely adapted and is a more sensitive assessment in patients with CEAP classes C1-3 for which other venous questionnaires lack specificity. The choice to incorporate these specific classifications and questionnaires is to define the causal question, minimized the possibility for biases and allow for direct comparison of the described treatment modalities with specific demographic details.