Analysis of the completeness and consistency of records of violence against indigenous women in the health macro-region of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, 2009-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of completeness and consistency of data on notifications of violence against indigenous women in the health macro-region of Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between 2009 and 2020. METHODS: An ecological time series study was conducted using data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System; Prais-Winsten regression was used to analyze the trend of data completeness and consistency, as well as the proportion of completed and coherent fields. RESULTS: A total of 2,630 cases were reported; completeness was found to be very poor in the variable "occupation" (48.9%) and poor in the variables "schooling" (68.3%) and "time of occurrence" (67.9%); in the analysis of temporal trends, only the variable "occupation" showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The data analyzed demonstrated the need for improvement in the completeness of the variables "schooling", "occupation" and "time of occurrence" of the violent act. MAIN RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in notifications over the years. Most of the variables showed regular or excellent completeness and consistency. In the analysis of temporal trend, only the "occupation" variable showed a decreasing trend. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Care for victims of violence is part of the daily routine of health services, and it is essential for health professionals to provide adequate compulsory notification for a comprehensive understanding of the victims' profile, thus assisting in addressing this issue. PERSPECTIVES: Further studies are needed to understand the factors associated with violence against indigenous women, which could help the development of health promotion actions and violence prevention strategies targeting these women.

Interoperabilidade

Um dos oito princípios orientadores da transformação digital no setor de saúde promovidos pela Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde é o da interoperabilidade. Esta sinopse de políticas apresenta conceitos chave, linhas de ação recomendadas e indicadores para monitoramento, com o objetivo de avançar nesse domínio.

Big data analysis for Covid-19 in hospital information systems.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global public health crisis, affecting hundreds of countries. With the increasing number of infected cases, developing automated COVID-19 identification tools based on CT images can effectively assist clinical diagnosis and reduce the tedious workload of image interpretation. To expand the dataset for machine learning methods, it is necessary to aggregate cases from different medical systems to learn robust and generalizable models. This paper proposes a novel deep learning joint framework that can effectively handle heterogeneous datasets with distribution discrepancies for accurate COVID-19 identification. We address the cross-site domain shift by redesigning the COVID-Net's network architecture and learning strategy, and independent feature normalization in latent space to improve prediction accuracy and learning efficiency. Additionally, we propose using a contrastive training objective to enhance the domain invariance of semantic embeddings and boost classification performance on each dataset. We develop and evaluate our method with two large-scale public COVID-19 diagnosis datasets containing CT images. Extensive experiments show that our method consistently improves the performance both datasets, outperforming the original COVID-Net trained on each dataset by 13.27% and 15.15% in AUC respectively, also exceeding existing state-of-the-art multi-site learning methods.

The challenge of adopting a collaborative information system for independent healthcare workers in France: a comprehensive study.

This study aimed to explore the perception of an underutilised collaborative information system through qualitative research, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with independent midwives and physician. PROSPERO, is a collaborative information system designed to bridge the communication gap between community-based healthcare workers and hospital-based care teams for parturients in Lyon, France. Through 27 semi-structured in-depth interviews with midwives, obstetricians, and general practitioners, we identified key themes related to the system's adoption: implementation challenges, utilisation barriers, interprofessional dynamics, and hidden variables affecting system use. Participants recognised the potential of PROSPERO to improve information sharing and care coordination but expressed concerns about the system's integration into existing workflows, time constraints, and the need for adequate training and technical support. Interprofessional dynamics revealed differing perspectives between hospital and independent practitioners, emphasising the importance of trust-building and professional recognition. Hidden variables, such as hierarchical influences and confidentiality concerns, further complicated the system's adoption. Despite the consensus on the benefits of a collaborative information system, its implementation was hindered by mistrust between healthcare workers (i.e. between independent practitioners and hospital staff). Our findings suggest that fostering trust and addressing the identified barriers are crucial steps towards successful system implementation. The study contributes to understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing the adoption of collaborative healthcare technologies and highlights the need for strategies that support effective interprofessional collaboration and communication.ClinicalTrials ID NCT02593292.

Epidemiology of congenital heart defects in France from 2013 to 2022 using the PMSI-MCO (French Medical Information System Program in Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics) database.

BACKGROUND: Congenital heart defects are common and occur in approximately 0.9% of births. In France, the registries cover approximately 20% of the population but not the entirety of France; therefore, we aimed to update the incidence data for congenital heart defects in France from 2013 to 2022 using the medico-administrative database PMSI-MCO (French Medical Information System Program in Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics). We aimed to compare the frequency of risk factors in a population with congenital heart defects and a reference population. METHODS: From 2013 to 2022, we included children aged < 3 years diagnosed with congenital heart defects according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, in the PMSI-MCO database. We compared them with a population without congenital defects on several medical data items (e.g., parity, gemellarity, and mortality rate). Bivariate and multivariate analyses compared children with congenital heart defects and children without congenital malformation. RESULTS: We identified 83,879 children with congenital heart defects in France from 2013 to 2022 in the PMSI-MCO database and 7,739,840 children without such defects, including 7,218,952 without any congenital defects. We observed more deaths (7.49% vs. 0.68%, d = 0.59) and more twinning (8.67% vs. 1.23%, d = 0.35) among children with congenital heart defects. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased risk of congenital heart defects in male individuals (OR [odds ratio] 1.056, 95% CI [confidence interval] [1.039-1.076]) and cases of medically assisted reproduction (OR 1.115, 95% CI [1.045-1.189]) and a reduced risk in the case of multiparity (OR 0.921, 95% CI [0.905-0.938]). CONCLUSIONS: According to the PMSI-MCO database, the incidence of congenital heart defects in France from 2013 to 2022 is 1% of births. Congenital heart defects are more frequent in cases of prematurity, twinning, primiparity, male sex, and maternal age > 40 years.

Twenty Years of Progress and the Way Forward: Immunization Registry Information System in Korea.

The National Immunization Program in The Republic of Korea offers mandatory and free vaccinations to children under 12, regulated by the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. Tracking vaccination coverage is crucial for population protection and public health strategies. Since 2002, the Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS) has been used nationwide to capture vaccination data. This study reviewed documents related to IRIS's establishment and development. The Republic of Korea legally supports IRIS's construction and data collection, integrating vaccination data with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's resident registration to minimize errors. This collaboration also facilitates cost reimbursement and digital registration, promoting wider vaccination coverage. IRIS manages expense claims once vaccination details are logged, and authorized medical institutions can access these records in real-time. Since 2015, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has been compiling annual data on national vaccination coverage. IRIS also sends automated reminders in 12 languages, reports adverse effects, and issues vaccination certificates. However, IRIS lacks integration between vaccine and disease registries, unlike countries such as England, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Improving integration capabilities could enhance IRIS's support for public health through an integrated information system.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Thai version of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system short form- depression 8a in individuals with chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0 - Depression 8a (PROMIS SF v1.0 - Depression 8a) into Thai and evaluate its psychometric properties in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). METHODS: The PROMIS SF v1.0- Depression 8a was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Thai using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy translation methodology. Two hundred and sixty-nine individuals with CLBP completed the Thai version of PROMIS SF v1.0- Depression 8a (T-PROMIS-D-8a) scale and a set of measures assessing validity criterion domains. Structural validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability at a 7-day interval of the T-PROMIS-D-8a scale were computed and its construct validity was evaluated by computing correlations with the Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (T-PHQ-9), Numeric Rating Scale of pain intensity (T-NRS), and Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (T-FABQ). RESULTS: Data from 269 participants were analyzed. Most participants were women (70%), and the sample had a mean age of 42.5 (SD 16.6) years. The findings supported the unidimensionality, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94), and test-retest reliability (ICC [2,1] = 0.86) of the T-PROMIS-D-8a. A floor effect was observed for 16% of the sample. Associations with the T-PHQ-9, T-NRS, and T-FABQ supported the construct validity of the T-PROMIS-D-8a. CONCLUSIONS: The T-PROMIS-D-8a was successfully translated and culturally adapted. The findings indicated that the scale is reliable and valid for assessing depression in Thai individuals with CLBP.

Electronic Documentation of Intraoperative Observation of Cystoscopic Procedures Using the cMDX Information System.

PURPOSE: Accurate documentation of lesions during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is essential for precise diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up care. However, optimizing schematic documentation techniques for bladder lesions has received limited attention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study used a cMDX-based documentation system that facilitates graphical representation, a lesion-specific questionnaire, and heatmap analysis with a posterization effect. We designed a graphical scheme for bladder covering bladder landmarks to visualize anatomic features and to document the lesion location. The lesion-specific questionnaire was integrated for comprehensive lesion characterization. Finally, spatial analyses were applied to investigate the anatomic distribution patterns of bladder lesions. RESULTS: A total of 97 TURBT cases conducted between 2021 and 2023 were included, identifying 176 lesions. The lesions were distributed in different bladder areas with varying frequencies. The distribution pattern, sorted by frequency, was observed in the following areas: posterior, trigone, lateral right and anterior, and lateral left and dome. Suspicious levels were assigned to the lesions, mostly categorized either as indeterminate or moderate. Lesion size analysis revealed that most lesions fell between 5 and 29 mm. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the potential of schematic documentation techniques for informed decision making, quality assessment, primary research, and secondary data utilization of intraoperative data in the context of TURBT. Integrating cMDX and heatmap analysis provides valuable insights into lesion distribution and characteristics.

Determining information system end-user satisfaction and continuance intension with a unified modeling approach.

With the different characters of datatypes and large amount of data going to be managed in open-source database, localization to the specific linguistics is the major concern in Ethiopia, as the nation used different datatypes compared to the Gregorian systems. In this regard Amharic localization in open-source database can handle the difficulties in managing data for governmental and non-governmental organizations. Amharic Extension Module was introduced to governmental organizations for the data management capabilities. But, there is no research that can explore the system's quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of both computer literates and illiterates. Therefore, this research work attempt or try to empirically examine and analyze the system quality, the users' satisfaction and intension of continuance of Amharic Extension Module from the perspective of all users in POESSA The major purpose/aim of this study/research is to brand or make up the research break/gap in the area of localization specific to the Amharic locals, and to show the implication of the practical and theoretical way based on the results of the research. For this purpose, questionnaires were used for the collection of the research data. A total of 395 copies of the questionnaires were distributed and 385 of them are collected without any problem from the organization indicated herewith. The statistical analysis tools such as SPSS and AMOS, and methods such as Structural equation model were used for the analysis of the research data. The results of the research recommended and suggested that system quality can significantly influence confirmation. Meanwhile, confirmation can directly and significantly influence perceived usefulness, performance expectations, and satisfaction. Additionally, performance expectation, perceived usefulness and confirmation can significantly impact/influence satisfaction. The satisfaction directly and most importantly and significantly influences the continuance intension. Finally, the research delivers/provides a concert indication for the legitimacy and validity of the integrated and combined models of UTUAT, ECTM, and D&M ISS in the field of localizations which can be a hypothetical and theoretical foundation for Amharic Extension Module-AEM users' and services of it.

Q&A on artificial intelligence for supporting public health: Reference tool to support the exchange of information and promote open conversations and debates

This policy document provides key concepts, recommended lines of action, and indicators for monitoring, with the aim of advancing interoperability as one of the eight guiding principles for the digital transformation of the health sector, as promoted by the Pan American Health Organization.

Assessing the impact of real-time random safety audits through full propensity score matching on reliable data from the clinical information system.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based care processes are not always applied at the bedside in critically ill patients. Numerous studies have assessed the impact of checklists and related strategies on the process of care and patient outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effects of real-time random safety audits on process-of-care and outcome variables in critical care patients. METHODS: This prospective study used data from the clinical information system to evaluate the impact of real-time random safety audits targeting 32 safety measures in two intensive care units during a 9-month period. We compared endpoints between patients attended with safety audits and those not attended with safety audits. The primary endpoint was mortality, measured by Cox hazard regression after full propensity-score matching. Secondary endpoints were the impact on adherence to process-of-care measures and on quality indicators. RESULTS: We included 871 patients; 228 of these were attended in ≥ 1 real-time random safety audits. Safety audits were carried out on 390 patient-days; most improvements in the process of care were observed in safety measures related to mechanical ventilation, renal function and therapies, nutrition, and clinical information system. Although the group of patients attended in safety audits had more severe disease at ICU admission [APACHE II score 21 (16-27) vs. 20 (15-25), p = 0.023]; included a higher proportion of surgical patients [37.3 % vs. 26.4 %, p = 0.003] and a higher proportion of mechanically ventilated patients [72.8 % vs. 40.3 %, p < 0.001]; averaged more days on mechanical ventilation, central venous catheter, and urinary catheter; and had a longer ICU stay [12.5 (5.5-23.3) vs. 2.9 (1.7-5.9), p < 0.001], ICU mortality did not differ significantly between groups (19.3 % vs. 18.8 % in the group without safety rounds). After full propensity-score matching, Cox hazard regression analysis showed real-time random safety audits were associated with a lower risk of mortality throughout the ICU stay (HR 0.31; 95 %CI 0.20-0.47). CONCLUSIONS: Real-time random safety audits are associated with a reduction in the risk of ICU mortality. Exploiting data from the clinical information system is useful in assessing the impact of them on the care process, quality indicators, and mortality.

Challenges in surveillance of all cancer cases: The Chilean National Cancer Registry. / Desafíos en la vigilancia de todos los casos de cáncer en Chile: Registro Nacional de Cáncer.

Cancer causes millions of deaths worldwide, making its registration essential. There are clinical, hospital, and population-based registries in place. The latter is the gold standard for information on cancer incidence and survival in a defined region. Chile has five population-based registries located in specific areas of the country. The Chilean National Cancer Registry emerged with the challenge of creating a tool encompassing all three types of registries to identify the number of cancer cases by type. Its design involved a series of actions to achieve consensus among various actors regarding information, validation, and events to be registered. Four stages were identified in the care and registration process: suspected diagnosis, morphological confirmation (biopsy), clinical resolution (oncology committee, including treatment recommendations), treatment, and oncological follow-up. The platform's development (from 2018 to 2021) involved gathering information and agreements on the requirements for co-designing the registry, including a successful pilot program with over 20 public and private healthcare facilities that recorded nearly 7500 cancer cases. The deployment and use of the National Cancer Registry at a national level depends on the healthcare authority. It is an information system that continuously and systematically collects, stores, processes, and analyzes data on all cancer cases and types occurring in the country. This work presents the design and development of the tool, the challenges addressed, as well as its strengths and weaknesses.

El cáncer causa millones de muertes a nivel mundial por lo que su registro es fundamental, existiendo registros clínicos, hospitalarios y poblacionales. Estos últimos son el estándar de oro para la información sobre incidencia y supervivencia de cáncer en una región definida. En Chile se cuenta con cinco registros poblacionales ubicados en ciertas zonas del país. El Registro Nacional del Cáncer chileno surge como un desafío para conformar una herramienta transversal a los tres tipos de registro con la finalidad de, al menos, conocer la cantidad de casos por tipo de cáncer. Su diseño implicó un despliegue de acciones orientadas a lograr consensos entre diversos actores respecto de la información, validación y eventos necesarios de registrar. Se identificaron cuatro etapas en el proceso de atención y el registro: sospecha de diagnóstico, confirmación morfológica (biopsia), resolución clínica (comité oncológico incluyendo la indicación de tratamiento), tratamiento y seguimiento oncológico. A su vez, el desarrollo de la plataforma (años 2018 a 2021) implicó levantamiento de información y acuerdos sobre los requerimientos para el co-diseño del registro, incluyendo un exitoso pilotaje con más de 20 establecimientos de salud del sector público y privado con registro de cerca de 7500 casos de cáncer. El despliegue y uso del Registro Nacional de Cáncer a nivel nacional depende de la autoridad sanitaria. Se trata de un sistema de información que recolecta, almacena, procesa y analiza de forma continua y sistemática datos sobre todos los casos y tipos de cánceres que ocurren en el país. En este trabajo se presenta el diseño y desarrollo de la herramienta, los desafíos abordados, sus fortalezas y debilidades.

The Promising 2-Year Performance of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System in Primary Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) thresholds have been previously defined for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) at 1-year follow-up in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome; however, the MCID and PASS thresholds are yet to be defined for the PROMIS at 2-year follow-up. PURPOSE: (1) To establish MCID and PASS thresholds for the PROMIS Pain Interference (PROMIS-PI) and PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) at 2-year follow-up and (2) to correlate PROMIS scores with hip-specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) scores. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome between August and November 2020 with preoperative and minimum 2-year postoperative data were identified. Collected scores included those for the PROMIS-PI, PROMIS-PF, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (iHOT-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. MCID thresholds were calculated using the distribution-based method and PASS thresholds using the anchor-based method. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare scores between PROMs. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients met the criteria for inclusion (72.3% female; mean age, 36.9 ± 13.5 years; mean body mass index, 26.2 ± 6.0). The mean follow-up was 25.3 ± 3.3 months. Significant preoperative to postoperative improvements were observed for all PROMs (P < .001). MCID thresholds and achievement rates were as follows: HOS-ADL, 10.1 and 75%, respectively; HOS-SS, 13.8 and 79%, respectively; iHOT-12, 14.0 and 67%, respectively; VAS pain, -13.8 and 78%, respectively; PROMIS-PI, -4.7 and 65%, respectively; and PROMIS-PF, 5.8 and 60%, respectively. PASS thresholds and achievement rates were as follows: HOS-ADL, 78.7 and 67%, respectively; HOS-SS, 76.4 and 62%, respectively; iHOT-12, 67.4 and 60%, respectively; VAS pain, 25.5 and 61%, respectively; PROMIS-PI, 57.0 and 65%, respectively; and PROMIS-PF, 45.6 and 58%, respectively. PROMIS-PI scores correlated most strongly with HOS-ADL (r = -0.836), HOS-SS (r = -0.767), and iHOT-12 (r = -0.719) scores and exhibited at least moderate correlations (r≥-0.595) with the other PROM scores. PROMIS-PF demonstrated moderate correlations with all the other PROM scores (r≥-0.586). Strong correlations were seen between the hip-specific PROM scores (r≥-0.745). CONCLUSION: This study defined 2-year MCID and PASS thresholds for the PROMIS-PI and PROMIS-PF and demonstrated moderate to strong correlations between PROMIS scores and hip-specific PROM scores.

A hybridized red deer and rough set clinical information retrieval system for hepatitis B diagnosis.

Healthcare is a big concern in the current booming population. Many approaches for improving health are imposed, such as early disease identification, treatment, and prevention. Therefore, knowledge acquisition is highly essential at different stages of decision-making. Inferring knowledge from the information system, which necessitates multiple steps for extracting useful information, is one technique to address this problem. Handling uncertainty throughout data analysis is also another challenging task. Computer intelligence is a step forward to this end while selecting characteristics, classification, clustering, and developing clinical information retrieval systems. According to recent studies, swarm optimization is a useful technique for discovering key features while resolving real-world issues. However, it is ineffective in managing uncertainty. Conversely, a rough set helps a decision system generate decision rules. This produces decision rules without any additional information. In order to assess real-world information systems while managing uncertainties, a hybrid strategy that combines a rough set and red deer algorithm is presented in this research. In the red deer optimization algorithm, the suggested method selects the optimal characteristics in terms of the degree of dependence on the rough set. In order to determine the decision rules, further a rough set is used. The efficiency of the suggested model is also contrasted with that of the decision tree algorithm and the conventional rough set. An empirical study on hepatitis disease illustrates the viability of the proposed research as compared to the decision tree and crisp rough set. The proposed hybridization of rough set and red deer algorithm achieves an accuracy of 91.7% accuracy. The acquired accuracy for the decision tree, and rough set methods is 82.9%, and 88.9%, respectively. It suggests that the proposed research is viable.

Nurses' and physicians' perceptions of the impact of eHealth and information systems on the roles of health care professionals: A qualitative descriptive study.

The increased use of eHealth and information systems impacts health care work broadly, including cultural and social aspects of work such as the roles of health care professionals. This qualitative descriptive study examined the perceptions of health care professionals in terms of how eHealth and information systems have changed their roles. The data was collected via 15 semi-structured thematic interviews and analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach. The analysis indicated mainly unconscious changes in the roles of professional groups. The professionals perceived that the role of digitally competent professionals in the working community was important. Moreover, high digital competency was seen to have led to an increase or change in work tasks. Professionals' own working environments and job opportunities were seen to have affected to their roles when using information systems. eHealth was perceived to have created inequalities in work tasks, increased skills gaps and complicated work. However, eHealth made cooperation between professionals easier than before. Organisations should pay more attention to equal opportunities to increase professional's digital competency, even out workloads between professionals, and provide equal access to eHealth and information systems.

Strengthening the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) COVID-19 vaccination information system.

This manuscript describes the process and impact of strengthening the WHO Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO)'s COVID-19 vaccination information system. This system plays a critical role in tracking vaccination coverage, guiding resource allocation and supporting vaccination campaign roll-out for countries in the African region. Recognising existing data management issues, including complex reporting prone to human error, compromised data quality and underutilisation of collected data, WHO AFRO introduced significant system improvements during the COVID-19 pandemic. These improvements include shifting from an Excel-based to an online Azure-based data collection system, automating data processing and validation, and expansion of collected data. These changes have led to improvements in data quality and quantity including a decrease in data non-validity, missingness, and record duplication, and expansion of data collection forms to include a greater number of data fields, offering a more comprehensive understanding of vaccination efforts. Finally, the creation of accessible information products-including an interactive public dashboard, a weekly data pack and a public monthly bulletin-has improved data use and reach to relevant partners. These resources provide crucial insights into the region's vaccination progress at national and subnational levels, thereby enabling data-driven decision-making to improve programme performance. Overall, the strengthening of the WHO AFRO COVID-19 vaccination information system can serve as a model for similar efforts in other WHO regions and contexts. The impact of system strengthening on data quality demonstrated here underscores the vital role of robust data collection, capacity building and management systems in achieving high-quality data on vaccine distribution and coverage. Continued investment in information systems is essential for effective and equitable public health efforts.

A messaging standard for environmental inspections: is it time?

Environmental health (EH) services in the United States lag behind other areas of public health and health care with respect to information system interoperability and data sharing. This is partly due to an absence of well-defined use cases, the lack of direct economic drivers and resources to improve, the multiple jurisdictional elements that govern EH services across the United States, and no central organization to drive modernization of EH data. We summarize the status of EH information systems; argue for greater interoperability, including use cases for a messaging standard for environmental inspections; and present recommendations to better align EH services and data modernization efforts currently underway in other areas of public health.

A critical examination of Illinois' child welfare information systems and its utility for identifying and monitoring children and youth with special health care needs for front- and back-end users.

BACKGROUND: Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are at an increased risk for abuse and neglect, and they experience worse outcomes during and after child protective services involvement, as compared to typically developing peers. Identifying and monitoring these vulnerable youth is essential for reducing disparities and optimizing service delivery. However, many states, including Illinois, lack systems for efficient identification and monitoring. OBJECTIVE: (1) To examine existing Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (ILDCFS) data systems to determine if a source exists that would allow for identification and monitoring of CYSHCN; and (2) To understand ILDCFS personnel's experience with identifying and monitoring CYSHCN. METHODS: First, relevant ILDCFS data sources were identified, pulled, and examined for completeness. Second, ILDCFS personnel completed a mixed-methods survey assessing how they identified and monitored CYSHCN as well as what barriers they experienced in conducting these activities. Conceptual content analysis was utilized to obtain counts of different methods used to track and monitor youth as well as to identify barriers to these processes. RESULTS: Six data sources were identified as being relevant through ILDCFS' data systems, but none were complete enough for effectively tracking and identifying CYSHCN. Survey responses indicated no standardized, systemic process for identifying and monitoring CYSHCN, with many personnel relying on reports from other involved parties. CONCLUSIONS: In order to identify CYSHCN and monitor well-being, a standardized process within ILDCFS systems is needed to provide complete, accurate, and timely data for CYSHCN, allowing for both system-wide and individual-level monitoring.

Construct validity of the Hungarian Version of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 Profile Among Patients with Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS)-29 profile domains among patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: We used a convenience, cross-sectional sampling of patients recruited at our neurosurgical institution. The participants completed paper-pencil version of the PROMIS-29 profile in addition to validated legacy questionnaires, including the Oswestry disability index, Research and Development Corporation 36-item short-form survey, 7-item general anxiety disorder scale, 9-item patient health questionnaire. Reliability was evaluated by calculating the internal consistency (Cronbach's α). Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The structural validity of PROMIS-29 was assessed using a confirmatory factor analysis. Construct validity was assessed by evaluating convergent and discriminant validity using Spearman's rank correlation. To further corroborate the construct validity, we also performed known-group comparisons. RESULTS: The mean age of the 131 participants was 54 ± 16 years. Of the 131 patients, 62% were women. The internal consistency of each PROMIS domain was high (Cronbach's α >0.89 for all). The test-retest reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation >0.97). The confirmatory factor analysis showed good structural validity (comparative fit index >0.96; standardized root mean square residual <0.026 for all domains). All measured PROMIS scores correlated strongly with the scores obtained using the corresponding primary legacy instrument, indicating excellent convergent validity. The known-group comparisons demonstrated differences as hypothesized. CONCLUSIONS: We present data supporting the validity and reliability of the Hungarian PROMIS-29 profile short forms for patients with low back pain. This instrument will be useful for research and clinical applications in spine care.

Comparing approaches to identify live births using the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of different approaches for identifying live births using Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System Analytic Files (TAF). DATA SOURCES: The primary data source for this study were TAF inpatient (IP), other services (OT), and demographic and eligibility files. These data contain administrative claims for Medicaid enrollees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. STUDY DESIGN: We compared five approaches for identifying live birth counts obtained from the TAF IP and OT data with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Natality data-the gold standard for birth counts at the state level. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: The five approaches used varying combinations of diagnosis and procedure, revenue, and place of service codes to identify live births. Approaches 1 and 2 follow guidance developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Approaches 3 and 4 build on the approaches developed by CMS by including all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluding codes related to delivery services for infants, respectively. Approach 5 applied Approach 4 to only the IP file. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Approach 4, which included all inpatient hospital claims in the OT file and excluded codes related to infants to identify deliveries, achieved the best match of birth counts relative to CDC birth record data, identifying 1,656,794 live births-a national overcount of 3.6%. Approaches 1 and 3 resulted in larger overcounts of births (20.5% and 4.5%), while Approaches 2 and 5 resulted in undercounts of births (-3.4% and -6.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Including claims from both the IP and OT files, and excluding codes unrelated to the delivery episode and those specific to services rendered to infants improves accuracy of live birth identification in the TAF data.