title: An integer programming model to limit hospital selection in studies with repeated sampling.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe an integer programming model that, for studies requiring repeated sampling from hospitals, can aid in selecting a limited set of hospitals from which medical records are reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The model is illustrated in the context of two studies: (1) an analysis of the relationship between variations in hospital admission rates across geographic areas and rates of inappropriate admissions; and (2) a validation of computerized algorithms that screen for complications of hospital care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Common characteristics of the two studies: (1) hospitals are classified into categories, e.g., high, medium, and low; (2) the classification process is repeated several times, e.g., for different medical conditions; (3) medical records are selected separately for each iteration of the classification; and (4) for budgetary and logistical reasons, reviews must be concentrated in a relatively small subset of hospitals. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS. In each study, hospitals are ranked based on analysis of hospital discharge abstract data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The model is useful for identifying a subset of hospitals at which more intensive reviews will be conducted.
authors.affiliation: Operations Management Department, School of Management, Boston University, MA 02215, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shwartz
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Klimberg
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karp
authors.forename: L I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Iezzoni
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ash
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heineke
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Restuccia
mesh_terms: D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D003953:Diagnosis-Related Groups; D006300:Health Services Misuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods*; D006761:Hospitals / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008499:Medical Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015233:Models, Statistical; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012494:Sampling Studies; D017062:Small-Area Analysis; D014481:United States