The Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC) Registry

Abstract

Many medical toxicologists are interested in participating in a practice-based, multicenter research and toxicosurveillance network. In 2009, the American College of Medical Toxicology established the Toxicology Investigators Consortium (ToxIC). One facet of ToxIC is a registry that can be used for surveillance of new or old agents, assessment of treatment decisions, and the creation of new research questions. This paper describes the development of and the initial experiences with this registry of toxicology patients. In November 2009, ACMT invited members to participate in a new registry of cases evaluated and cared for by practicing medical toxicologists who provide direct hands-on clinical care. A password-protected, encrypted, online registry data site was created to upload a newly developed electronic case report form (CRF) on registry patients. The CRF includes demographics; encounter circumstances; agent; syndrome, symptoms, and signs; and treatment. A test version at four sites began in January 2010, seven additional sites were added in March 2010 for the beta phase, and the registry was opened to all interested US medical toxicology practices in April 2010. The CRF underwent continuous modifications based upon frequent feedback from and discussion among the participants. Thirty-three toxicology practice sites, encompassing 56 hospitals and clinics, have entered data into the ToxIC Registry. During the first 14 months of data collection, 5,412 patients were entered. The experience thus far demonstrates that the creation of this registry is feasible and constitutes a potentially powerful toxicosurveillance and robust research tool.