Can we quantify harm in general practice records? An assessment of precision and power using computer simulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Estimating harm rates for specific patient populations and detecting significant changes in them over time are essential if patient safety in general practice is to be improved. Clinical record review (CRR) is arguably the most suitable method for these purposes, but the optimal values and combinations of its parameters (such as numbers of records and practices) remain unknown. Our aims were to: 1. Determine and quantify CRR parameters; 2. Assess the precision and power of feasible CRR scenarios; and 3. Quantify the minimum requirements for adequate precision and acceptable power.

Method

We explored precision and power of CRR scenarios using Monte Carlo simulation. A range of parameter values were combined in 864 different CRR scenarios, with 1000 random data sets

SUBMITTER: de Wet C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3635932 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature