METEOR Tool

How do I use the tool?

The software itself is designed for ease of use and clinical accuracy, and will specifically meet the needs of clinicians monitoring and treating patients with RA. The software: 

• Is highly self-explanatory, user-friendly and web-based
• Is designed to run on the Internet with a very high level of security and confidentiality, but can be installed locally in the hospital or clinical setting
• Gives easy access to patient data according to specific demographics or measures
• Is free and easy to install
• Is simple to use, logical and allows straight forward data input
• Provides data in numerical or graphical form

To assist users, installation and software training is available with on-line training. Full IT support and helpdesk facilities are also available as required on workdays 09:00–17:00 CET.


The METEOR software has been designed with the security and confidentiality requirements of various countries in mind. The system requires a username and password to be able to enter and review patient data. The level of accessible data depends on the role that has been assigned to that specific user. A site (hospital)-specific encryption key is used to ensure that data identifying a patient – such as name and date of birth – can only be seen by the doctors treating that patient. The encryption key remains in the hospital and is never transmitted. Patients cannot be identified from data in the METEOR system without that key.

Confidentiality is also ensured in all reports and in the reporting database. It is only possible to compare data within the country of residence or within the entire METEOR database. A professional hosting company, providing both a high level of security and high availability, runs the METEOR system and database.

Confidentiality agreements signed by all users of the system complement the IT measures taken.

Do you have a question?

What about the legal and ethical issues concerning patient data? How will the data be protected and used internationally?

METEOR is password protected and patient identifying information is encrypted and complies with data protection legislation. Ethical and legal issues have been considered and strategies implemented.

Will support be available regarding everyday use of the METEOR tool? What happens if I encounter a technical problem?

Full IT support and a IT helpdesk is available Monday to Friday from 09:00–17:00 CET