Collecting patient race/ethnicity and primary language data in ambulatory care settings: a case study in methodology.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To collect patient race/ethnicity and language (r/e/l) in an ambulatory care setting.

Data sources/study setting

The Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF), December 2006-May 2008.

Study design

Three pilot studies: (1) Comparing mail versus telephone versus clinic visit questionnaire distribution; (2) comparing the front desk method (FDM) versus exam room method (ERM) in the clinic visit; and (3) determining resource allocation necessary for data entry.

Data collection/extraction methods

Studies were planned and executed by PAMF's Quality and Planning division.

Principal findings

Collecting r/e/l data during clinic visits elicited the highest response rate. The FDM yielded higher response rate than the ERM. One full-time equivalent is initially ne

SUBMITTER: Palaniappan LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2754558 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature