title: A method for analyzing resource use in ambulatory care settings.
abstract: The major objective of this research is to develop a methodological framework to help analyze the use of resources in ambulatory care environments. Emphasis is placed on trying to understand reasons for variation in treatment patterns. Important methodological considerations include: 1) the selection of a set of medical problems appropriate for evaluating the interaction effects of the variables being considered; 2) the development of problem-specific computerized routines for defining episodes of care based on patient visit information; and 3) the selection of appropriate measures of utilization. The Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) was used as a study setting. FNS is a primary health care service and training center located in Leslie County in eastern Kentucky. an area that covers 1,000 square miles with a population of approximately 15,000. The analysis indicates that for common primary care problems, the level of provider training as well as accessibility of services significantly influence patterns of care.
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003152:Community Health Nursing; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007629:Kentucky; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000628:therapy; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000628:therapy; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000628:therapy; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000628:therapy; D014600:Utilization Review / Q000379:methods*