Comparing routine administrative data with registry data for assessing quality of hospital care in patients with inguinal hernia

ConclusionSubject to critical evaluation of the limitations of data acquisition in this study, it does appear possible to use the routine administrative data from the AOK Sickness Fund for assessment of the quality of inguinal hernia surgery in Germany. Voluntary participation in the Herniamed Registry appears to be characterized by the fact that the participating hospitals conduct a higher proportion of laparo-endoscopic inguinal hernia repair. That could possibly explain the differences in outcome. However, in large patient collectives, statistical significance should not always be equated with clinical relevance. Univariate analysis does not take account of differences in the hernia findings, risk factors or operative details. Further efforts should be employed in future to improve the accuracy and granularity of routine administrative data for assessing the quality of care and to decrease the cost of gathering such data.
Source: Hernia - Category: Sports Medicine Source Type: research