The development of theoretical sampling in practice

Problem

Theoretical sampling is a key research process within grounded theory. However, whilst methodological texts provide a definition, it is difficult to find examples of how theoretical sampling is undertaken as a study develops. The lack of clear exemplars has caused confusion amongst researchers, with many grounded theory studies providing no evidence of theoretical sampling.

Assessing the public health impact of using poison center data for public health surveillance

Context: The National Poison Data System (NPDS) is a database and surveillance system for US poison centers (PCs) call data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) use NPDS to identify incidents of potential public health significance. State health departments are notified by CDC of incidents identified by NPDS to be of potential public health significance. Our objective was to describe the public health impact of CDC’s notifications and the use of NPDS data for surveillance.

Methods: We described how NPDS data informed three public health responses: the Deepwater Horizon incident, national exposures to laundry detergent pods, and national exposures to e-cigarettes. Additionally, we extracted survey results of state epidemiologists regarding NPDS incident notification follow-up from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016 to assess current public health application of NPDS data using Epi Info 7.2 and analyzed data using SAS 9.3. We assessed whether state health departments were aware of incidents before notification, what actions were taken, and whether CDC notifications contributed to actions.

Discussion: NPDS data provided evidence for industry changes to improve laundry detergent pod containers safety and highlighted the need to regulate e-cigarette sale and manufacturing. NPDS data were used to improve situational awareness during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Of 59 health departments and PCs who responded to CDC notifications about anomalies (response rate = 49.2%), 27 (46%) reported no previous awareness of the incident, and 20 (34%) said that notifications contributed to public health action.

Conclusions: Monitoring NPDS data for anomalies can identify emerging public health threats and provide evidence-based science to support public health action and policy changes.     

Predialysis Kidney Function and Its Rate of Decline Predict Mortality and Hospitalizations After Starting Dialysis

Objective

To determine whether kidney function level and its rate of decline in the immediate predialysis period among veterans transitioning to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) predict postdialysis mortality and hospitalization.

Turning Data Into Information: Opportunities to Advance Rehabilitation Quality,Research, and Policy

Attention to health care quality and safety has increased dramatically. The internal focus of an organization is not without influence from external policy and research findings. Compared with other specialties, efforts to align and advance rehabilitation research, practice, and policy using electronic health record data are in the early stages. This special communication defines quality, applies the dimensions of quality to rehabilitation, and illustrates the feasibility and utility of electronic health record data for research on rehabilitation care quality and outcomes. Using data generated at the point of care provides the greatest opportunity for improving the quality of health care, producing generalizable evidence to inform policy and practice, and ultimately benefiting the health of the populations served.     

Health Services Research in Rehabilitation and Disability—The Time is Now

Policy drives practice, and health services research (HSR) is at the intersection of policy, practice, and patient outcomes. HSR specific to rehabilitation and disability is particularly needed. As rehabilitation researchers and providers, we are uniquely positioned to provide the evidence that guides reforms targeting rehabilitative care. We have the expertise to define the value of rehabilitation in a policy-relevant context. HSR is a powerful tool for providing this evidence. We need to continue building capacity for conducting rigorous, timely rehabilitation-related HSR. Fostering stakeholder engagement in these research efforts will ensure we maintain a patient-centered focus as we address the “Triple Aim” of better care, better health, and better value. In this Special Communication we discuss the role of rehabilitation researchers in HSR. We also provide information on current resources available in our field for conducting HSR and identify gaps for capacity building and future research. Health care reforms are a reality, and through HSR we can give rehabilitation a strong voice during these transformative times.     

四川省基层医疗卫生机构管理信息系统与县级区域卫生信息平台数据交换的设计与实现

为实现基层医疗卫生机构管理信息系统与县级区域卫生信息平台的数据交换,保证公民都享有基本医疗卫生服务,提高公众健康水平,以四川省卫生信息交换服务网络为依托,按照标准的医疗CDA文档格式,设计和构建了四川省基层医疗卫生机构管理信息系统。     

国外图书馆生物医学科研数据管理服务及启示

通过调研印第安纳大学图书馆和马萨诸塞大学图书馆的科研数据管理的服务模式,对比分析了科研数据管理服务工作的内容、方法、工具等提出了我国图书馆科研数据管理服务模式的设想。     

以数据挖掘为核心的医院数据管理平台建设初探

以建设基于精细化管理的医院决策支持系统为目的,利用数据仓库等信息化技术对各业务系统数据进行采集、清洗、整合,建立数据中心进行综合管理,保证数入一门、数出一门。有效消除信息孤岛、解决数据混乱状态、缓解信息化应用瓶颈。以数据挖掘为手段以病种为核心着重分析医疗核心指标及医保的总额预付管理两个主题,通过深入分析明确管理目标、缩小管理范畴、抓住主要矛盾,提高医院科学管理水平。     

Optimizing insulin pump therapy: the potential advantages of using a structured diabetes management program

Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy improves glycemic control, reduces hypoglycemia and increases treatment satisfaction in individuals with diabetes. As a number of patient- and clinician-related factors can hinder the effectiveness and optimal usage of CSII therapy, new approaches are needed to address these obstacles.

Ceriello and colleagues recently proposed a model of care that incorporates the collaborative use of structured SMBG into a formal approach to personalized diabetes management within all diabetes populations. We adapted this model for use in CSII-treated patients in order to enable the implementation of a workflow structure that enhances patient–physician communication and supports patients’ diabetes self-management skills.

We recognize that time constraints and current reimbursement policies pose significant challenges to healthcare providers integrating the Personalised Diabetes Management (PDM) process into clinical practice. We believe, however, that the time invested in modifying practice workflow and learning to apply the various steps of the PDM process will be offset by improved workflow and more effective patient consultations. This article describes how to implement PDM into clinical practice as a systematic, standardized process that can optimize CSII therapy.