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Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology

Published in:

01-06-2009

Comparison of cluster detection using patients and events of medically treated self-inflicted injuries in Alberta, Canada

Authors: Rhonda J. Rosychuk, Ian Colman, Brian H. Rowe

Published in: Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

Geographic regions may be routinely evaluated for high rates of disease through statistical cluster detection tests. Areas with statistically higher rates can be targeted for further epidemiological study and possible interventions. Generally these tests are performed on incident or prevalent cases of a disease, and are not necessarily applicable to the health services context. We examine a new method appropriate for health services data and introduce this new method to health services researchers through a case study of self-inflicted injury presentations to emergency departments (EDs). We consider spatial clustering with two approaches. A case-based method uses only the number of patients whereas an event-based method uses the number of patients and the number of ED presentations. Analyses are adjusted by the age and gender distribution and restricted to a sub-group of the population. Several potential clusters are identified within each method. The case-based method identifies 10 geographic areas with statistically higher numbers of individuals seeking ED care and the event-based method identifies nine geographic areas with statistically higher numbers of ED presentations. These potential clusters are not likely to have occurred by chance alone, given the age and gender distribution. The two testing procedures illustrate different aspects of the data: individuals and presentations. The potential clusters based on individual cases suggest areas that may need special intervention programs and services. The clustering of presentations may represent areas that require increased provision of health services.

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Title: Comparison of cluster detection using patients and events of medically treated self-inflicted injuries in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Rhonda J. Rosychuk
Ian Colman
Brian H. Rowe
Publication date: 01-06-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 1387-3741
Electronic ISSN: 1572-9400
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10742-009-0048-0

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Comparison of cluster detection using patients and events of medically treated self-inflicted injuries in Alberta, Canada

Abstract

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