Merging files, layout for data input

Hi!

I've previously only used excel/access very little, but now I need to use it in a patient research project. There are some issues that I have not grasped, and I hope some of you can point me in the right direction.

I am in the beginning of the project, and I'm planning on using Excel (or Access) as the basis for my data. SPSS will be used for statistical analysis.

Now, there will be about 200 subject (rows) and several data variables (columns) involved. Some of the variables will be numbered, and some will be multiple choice.

As the data input will be done by different people, I want to create several excel-sheets for the different people. These sheets will include a patient ID (1,2,3...etc), which I'm planning to use as a common identifier. They will include different variables, though.

What I would like to achieve is creating a master sheet based on all those excel-sheets. This master sheet should then include all variables and all patients. I then plan to single out groups of different variables for analysis in SPSS.

Now, how should I start from here? I've tried to google the merge process, but it's a bit over my head at the moment. Also, am I better off creating a database in access for this kind of project (I must say that I have never worked with access). Hopfully some of you out there will be able to get me started.