Data comparability issues in international research and quality assurance.
Impediments to and progress toward valid and reliable international quality comparisons at the diagnosis or case type level are identified and discussed. The need for uniformity in each of the following is established: (1) international clinical data set, (2) definitions of clinical data elements and (3) data collection practices. The need to establish a clinically adequate international data base is discussed and action steps are identified.
Dreachslin
J L
JL
Commission on Professional and Hospital Activities, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
Zernott
M
M
Mendenhall
S
S
Nieuwenjuijsen
E R
ER
D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011787:Quality of Health Care