Space-Time Cluster Analysis to Detect Innovative Clinical Practices: A Case Study of Aripiprazole in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To identify space-time clusters of changes in prescribing aripiprazole for bipolar disorder among providers in the VA.

Data sources

VA administrative data from 2002 to 2010 were used to identify prescriptions of aripiprazole for bipolar disorder. Prescriber characteristics were obtained using the Personnel and Accounting Integrated Database.

Study design

We conducted a retrospective space-time cluster analysis using the space-time permutation statistic.

Data extraction methods

All VA service users with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder were included in the patient population. Individuals with any schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses were excluded. We also identified all clinicians who wrote a prescription for any bipolar disorder medication.

Principal fi

SUBMITTER: Penfold RB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5785329 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature