Biomedical subjects

F Empereur

Publications and source records attributed to F Empereur.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1998

Evaluating a computerized tool for coding patient information.

OBJECTIVE: Computerized tools may be useful in speeding up and facilitating the laborious task of coding patient information. This paper describes a method of objectively evaluating their efficiency. DESIGN: 38 study subjects were randomly assigned to a manual coding group or an automated coding group, with stratification according to two variables (used to coding yes/no, physician yes/no). Subjects then coded the same standardized set of diagnoses in a limited time. The numbers of exact codes retrieved were compared using a global analysis of variance model. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different with regard to the number of physicians (p = 0.74) and the number of usual coders (p = 0.52) they included. Significantly more exact codes were achieved in the group using automated coding than among the manual group (p = 0.04). Physicians were significantly more efficient at coding than non-physicians (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This study describes an objective means of evaluating the performance of an automated coding tool. It shows that better results were achieved with the computerised compared to the manual method, even when the superior abilities of physicians were taken into account.

Disease↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Clinical research, evaluation of care and quality assurance].

This paper aims to clarify the concepts and terminology of clinical research, evaluation, and quality. Clinical research or clinical epidemiology aims to demonstrate the efficacy of medical care. The optimal methodology is a randomized, double-blind trial that allows a causal inference in respect of efficacy. This should be the first stage before generalization of all medical practice. Evaluation of quality of care aims to verify the effectiveness of medical care by comparing practice with references. The optimal methodology is clinical audit that allows fine-tuned diagnosis of the existence of deviant practices. The analysis of causes and correction of the care process are an integral part of the evaluation work. Thus quality assurance and quality management concepts and methods have been developed which tend to ensure solutions for better care and to maintain the level of quality of care to achieve patient satisfaction. Evaluation, clinical research and management quality could in fact be seen as the complementary facets of a comprehensive approach to quality of care.

Clinical Protocols↗