Health services research
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Health services research · Oct 2009
Comparative StudyValidating household reports of health care use in the medical expenditure panel survey.
The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is a widely used nationally representative survey of health care use and expenditures. Numerous studies raise concerns that use is underreported in household surveys. ⋯ Household respondents in the validation sample accurately report inpatient hospitalizations but underreport ED and office visits. Behavioral analyses are largely unaffected because underreporting cuts across all sociodemographic groups.
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Health services research · Oct 2009
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialIntroducing quality improvement methods into local public health departments: structured evaluation of a statewide pilot project.
To test the feasibility and assess the preliminary impact of a unique statewide quality improvement (QI) training program designed for public health departments. ⋯ QI methods and techniques can be successfully implemented in local public health agencies on a statewide basis using the collaborative model through distance training and expert facilitation. This unique training can improve both core and support processes and lead to favorable staff reactions, increased knowledge, and improved health outcomes. The program can be further improved and deployed and holds great promise to facilitate the successful dissemination of proven QI methods throughout local public health departments.