Aim: To describe the requirements, development and evaluation of a cognitive disorders and older persons' clinical and research application, outlining the conceptual and practical challenges.
Methods: A technology development methodology was used to develop a database of people being investigated for or diagnosed with cognitive disorders as well as their carers. The methodology involved phases of requirements gathering, modeling and prototype creation, and 'bench testing' the prototype with experts.
Results: This case study suggests that construction and population of a memory clinic and research database is feasible, but initial development is complex. Its utility can be evaluated to some extent and was found to be acceptable to most users.
Discussion and conclusions: The development of a system needs to take in account existing data collection methods and other information systems used. The GreyMatters system can be considered a supplementary or complementary health record that sits alongside the main Trust information system. Integrating data from multiple systems enhances utility to clinical and research users.