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

de Wet, C., Johnson, P.C.D. , O'Donnell, C. and Bowie, P. (2013) Can we quantify harm in general practice records? An assessment of precision and power using computer simulation. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 13(39), (doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-13-39)

[img]
Preview
Text
78457.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

581kB

Abstract

<b>Background</b> 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.<p></p> <b>Method</b> We explored precision and power of CRR scenarios using Monte Carlo simulation. A range of parameter values were combined in 864 different CRR scenarios, 1000 random data sets were generated for each, and harm rates were estimated and tested for change over time by fitting a generalised linear model with a Poisson response.<p></p> <b>Results</b> CRR scenarios with ≥100 detected harm incidents had harm rate estimates with acceptable precision. Harm reductions of 20% or ≥50% were detected with adequate power by those CRR scenarios with at least 100 and 500 harm incidents respectively. The number of detected harm incidents was dependent on the baseline harm rate multiplied by: the period of time reviewed in each record; number of records reviewed per practice; number of practices who reviewed records; and the number of times each record was reviewed.<p></p> <b>Conclusion</b> We developed a simple formula to calculate the minimum values of CRR parameters required to achieve adequate precision and acceptable power when monitoring harm rates. Our findings have practical implications for health care decision-makers, leaders and researchers aiming to measure and reduce harm at regional or national level.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:O'Donnell, Professor Kate and Johnson, Dr Paul
Authors: de Wet, C., Johnson, P.C.D., O'Donnell, C., and Bowie, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:BMC Medical Research Methodology
Publisher:BioMed Central
ISSN:1471-2288
ISSN (Online):1471-2288
Published Online:13 March 2013
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2013 The Authors
First Published:First published in BMC Medical Research Methodology 13:39
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record