Adverse events regional feasibility study: methodological results.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of research into the occurrence, causation and prevention of adverse events (AEs) in New Zealand public hospitals.


METHODS
A two-stage retrospective review was carried out on 1,575 medical records selected by systematic list sample from admissions for 1995 in three public hospitals in the Auckland region. Following initial screening, medical records were subject to structured implicit review using a standardised protocol. Feasibility measures, using international benchmarks where possible, were: adequacy of sample selection; completeness of medical records; reliability and validity of screener and reviewer judgements; internal consistency and face validity of AE determination and preventability assessment.


RESULTS
The sample selection procedure was effective, although nearly 10% of records could not be secured. Information in medical records was sufficient for the identification and analysis of AEs. Adequate levels of agreement were achieved for screener and reviewer judgements, with kappa scores ranging between 0.302 and 0.622 and positive predictive values between 50.0% and 89.7%. The criteria for AE determination showed internal consistency and face validity, as did those for preventability.


CONCLUSIONS
Research into the occurrence, causation and prevention of AEs in New Zealand health care settings is methodologically feasible and meets international benchmark standards.
Davis
P
P
Department of Public Health and General Practice, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand. Peter.Davis@chmeds.ac.nz
Lay-Yee
R
R
Schug
S
S
Briant
R
R
Scott
A
A
Johnson
S
S
Bingley
W
W
D000465:Algorithms; D019985:Benchmarking / Q000379:methods*; D004358:Drug Therapy; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records; D009520:New Zealand; D015203:Reproducibility of Results