scholarly journals Point-of-contact interactive record linkage (PIRL) between demographic surveillance and health facility data in rural Tanzania

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Georges Reniers ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Kabudula ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
Baltazar Mtenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Viable Approach

IntroductionHealth and demographic surveillance systems (HDSS) have been an invaluable resource for monitoring the health status of populations, but often contain self-reported health service utilisation, which are subject to reporting bias. ObjectivesTo implement point-of-contact interactive record linkage (PIRL) between demographic and health facility systems data, characterise attributes associated with (un)successful record linkage, and compare findings with a fully automated retrospective linkage approach. MethodsIndividuals visiting the Kisesa Health Centre were matched to their HDSS records during a short uptake interview in the waiting area of the health facility. The search algorithm was used to rank potential matches, from which the true match(es) were selected after consultation with the patient. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify characteristics associated with being matched to an HDSS record. Records matched based on respondent’s clarifications were subsequently used as the gold-standard to evaluate fully automated retrospective record linkage by calculating sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). ResultsAmong 2,624 individuals who reportedly lived in the HDSS coverage area, we matched 2,206 (84.1%) to their HDSS records. Characteristics associated with a higher odds of being matched were increased age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12; per 5-year increment), a later consent into the study (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.37, 3.12; in the most recent six-month period), and fieldworker level of experience. The main drivers of the linkage algorithm were name, sex, year of birth, village, sub-village, and household member name. At the lowest match score threshold, automated retrospective linkage would have only correctly identified and linked 55% (1440/2612) of the records with a PPV of 55% (1440/2612). ConclusionWhere resources are available, PIRL is a viable approach to link HDSS and other administrative data sources that outperforms purely retrospective approaches.

scholarly journals Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL): A software tool to prospectively link demographic surveillance and health facility data

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula ◽  
Jason Catlett ◽  
David Beckles ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Extraneous Information ◽  
The Individual

Linking a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) to data from a health facility that serves the HDSS population generates a research infrastructure for directly observed data on access to and utilization of health facility services. Many HDSS sites, however, are in areas that lack unique national identifiers or suffer from data quality issues, such as incomplete records, spelling errors, and name and residence changes, all of which complicate record linkage approaches when applied retrospectively. We developed Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL) software that is used to prospectively link health records from a local health facility to an HDSS in rural Tanzania. This prospective approach to record linkage is carried out in the presence of the individual whose records are being linked, which has the advantage that any uncertainty surrounding their identity can be resolved during a brief interaction, whereby extraneous information (e.g., household membership) can be referred to as an additional criterion to adjudicate between multiple potential matches. Our software uses a probabilistic record linkage algorithm based on the Fellegi-Sunter model to search and rank potential matches in the HDSS data source. Key advantages of this software are its ability to perform multiple searches for the same individual and save patient-specific notes that are retrieved during subsequent clinic visits. A search on the HDSS database (n=110,000) takes less than 15 seconds to complete. Excluding time spent obtaining written consent, the median duration of time we spend with each patient is six minutes. In this setting, a purely automated retrospective approach to record linkage would have only correctly identified about half of the true matches and resulted in high linkage errors; therefore highlighting immediate benefit of conducting interactive record linkage using the PIRL software.

scholarly journals Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL): A software tool to prospectively link demographic surveillance and health facility data

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher T. Rentsch ◽  
Chodziwadziwa Whiteson Kabudula ◽  
Jason Catlett ◽  
David Beckles ◽  
Richard Machemba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Rural Tanzania ◽  
Local Health Facility ◽  
Extraneous Information ◽  
The Individual

Linking a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) to data from a health facility that serves the HDSS population generates a research infrastructure for directly observed data on access to and utilization of health facility services. Many HDSS sites, however, are in areas that lack unique national identifiers or suffer from data quality issues, such as incomplete records, spelling errors, and name and residence changes, all of which complicate record linkage approaches when applied retrospectively. We developed Point-of-contact Interactive Record Linkage (PIRL) software that is used to prospectively link health records from a local health facility to an HDSS in rural Tanzania. This prospective approach to record linkage is carried out in the presence of the individual whose records are being linked, which has the advantage that any uncertainty surrounding their identity can be resolved during a brief interaction, whereby extraneous information (e.g., household membership) can be referred to as an additional criterion to adjudicate between multiple potential matches. Our software uses a probabilistic record linkage algorithm based on the Fellegi-Sunter model to search and rank potential matches in the HDSS data source. Key advantages of this software are its ability to perform multiple searches for the same individual and save patient-specific notes that are retrieved during subsequent clinic visits. A search on the HDSS database (n=110,000) takes less than 15 seconds to complete. Excluding time spent obtaining written consent, the median duration of time we spend with each patient is six minutes. In this setting, a purely automated retrospective approach to record linkage would have only correctly identified about half of the true matches and resulted in high linkage errors; therefore highlighting immediate benefit of conducting interactive record linkage using the PIRL software.

scholarly journals Accuracy of probabilistic and deterministic record linkage: the case of tuberculosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gisele Pinto de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Luiza de Souza Bierrenbach ◽  
Kenneth Rochel de Camargo Júnior ◽  
Cláudia Medina Coeli ◽  
Rejane Sobrino Pinheiro
Keyword(s):  
Record Linkage ◽  
Missing Values ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Cutoff Point ◽  
Accurate Analysis ◽  
Linkage Algorithm ◽  
Probabilistic Linkage ◽  
Key Variables ◽  
High Level

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the accuracy of deterministic and probabilistic record linkage to identify TB duplicate records, as well as the characteristics of discordant pairs. METHODS The study analyzed all TB records from 2009 to 2011 in the state of Rio de Janeiro. A deterministic record linkage algorithm was developed using a set of 70 rules, based on the combination of fragments of the key variables with or without modification (Soundex or substring). Each rule was formed by three or more fragments. The probabilistic approach required a cutoff point for the score, above which the links would be automatically classified as belonging to the same individual. The cutoff point was obtained by linkage of the Notifiable Diseases Information System – Tuberculosis database with itself, subsequent manual review and ROC curves and precision-recall. Sensitivity and specificity for accurate analysis were calculated. RESULTS Accuracy ranged from 87.2% to 95.2% for sensitivity and 99.8% to 99.9% for specificity for probabilistic and deterministic record linkage, respectively. The occurrence of missing values for the key variables and the low percentage of similarity measure for name and date of birth were mainly responsible for the failure to identify records of the same individual with the techniques used. CONCLUSIONS The two techniques showed a high level of correlation for pair classification. Although deterministic linkage identified more duplicate records than probabilistic linkage, the latter retrieved records not identified by the former. User need and experience should be considered when choosing the best technique to be used.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Utilization of Ultrasound Scan Services among Pregnant Mothers at Ndejje Health Center IV, Wakiso District

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Angella Nakimera
Keyword(s):  
Health Facility ◽  
Waiting Time ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Ultrasound Scan ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Study Results ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Pregnant Mothers

Abstract Background: A study was carried out to identify the factors influencing the utilization of ultrasound scan services among pregnant mothers at Ndejje Health Centre IV, Wakiso District. Methodology: The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional and it employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A sample size of 30 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling procedure. An interview guide was used to collect data. Results: The study revealed various factors influencing the utilization of ultrasound scan services among pregnant mothers. For example, although all 30 (100%) had ever heard about ultrasound scan services, most 20 (66.7%) had ever used ultrasound scan services once 10 (50%) and 12 (60%) used the services in the 3rd trimester due to factors including 20 (66.7%) of ultrasound scan services, 21 (70%) having fears about using ultrasound scan services including 14 (66.7%) fear that the scan would identify bad conditions on the baby, 18 (60%) lacked partner support. The study results also revealed that respondents faced various health facility factors which influenced the utilization of ultrasound scan services. For example, most 20 (66.7%) respondents reported that Ndejje Health Centre IV was not equipped to provide ultrasound scan services due to 12 (60%) frequent breakdown and poor maintenance of equipment which led to 18 (60%) ultrasound scan services not being readily available, 12 (60%) long waiting time to receive services as most waited more than 2 hours to receive services. Conclusion and recommendations: Respondents faced various and health facility-related factors which influenced their utilization of ultrasound scan services. The key recommendations included ready availability of services through regular and timely maintenance of equipment, improving efficiency, and reducing waiting time as well as improved health education of mothers about the importance of using the services.

scholarly journals Gender differences in healthcare service utilisation 1 year before suicide: national record linkage study

2009 ◽  
Vol 195 (5) ◽  
pp. 459-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Ming Chang ◽  
Shih-Cheng Liao ◽  
Hung-Chi Chiang ◽  
Ying-Yeh Chen ◽  
Kwan-Cho Tseng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Major Depression ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Record Linkage ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Linkage Study ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Medical Settings ◽  
Insurance Database

SummaryAll suicides (n=12 497) in Taiwan in 2001–2004 were identified from mortality records retrieved from the National Health Insurance Database. Altogether, 95.1% of females and 84.9% of males had been in contact with healthcare services in the year before their death. Females received significantly more diagnoses of psychiatric disorders (48.0% v. 30.2%) and major depression (17.8% v. 7.4%) than males. Such differences were consistent across different medical settings where contact with hospital-based non-psychiatric physicians was as common as with general practitioners (GPs). However, diagnoses of psychiatric disorders were underdiagnosed in both genders.

Factors associated with workability in Spanish health centre workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Mateo-Rodríguez ◽  
E Knox ◽  
A Daponte-Codina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Spanish Health

Abstract Background The concept of workability provides a conceptual framework and proposes measures for the evaluation of relevant actions focused on a healthy workforce. In Spain, one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, there are practically no scientific studies on workability and its associated factors. Aims The objective of this study is to examine the associations between workability and variables related to health and work in a sample of workers from Spanish health centres. Methods Cross-sectional study including 1184 health centre workers who completed a questionnaire at baseline, comprising measures of workability, health and other work-related factors. Workability has been analysed as a one-factor construct, and as a two-factor construct. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with workability. Results As a one-dimensional construct, workability is associated with physical and mental health, number of hours of worked, insomnia, work and family life balance, adequate training, never having had an accident and type of contract. When the two-factor measure was used, sensitivity of findings increased, and it was identified that those participants who were older, lived alone and have more years of service in their profession also show worse workability. Conclusions The present study identified factors associated with the workability of health centre workers. The two-factor workability index (WAI) has better psychometric properties and used in combination with the global measure of WAI, identifies important additional aspects, specifically, age and years of professional experience as additional considerations for the intervention.

Distributed Scheduling Protocols for Energy Efficient Large-Scale Wireless Sensor Networks

2011 ◽  
pp. 233-248
Author(s):  
Cheng Fu ◽  
Bang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Distributed Scheduling ◽  
Wireless Sensor ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Sensor Scheduling ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Power Conservation ◽  
Coverage Ratio ◽  
Scheduling Protocols

A major design challenge in wireless sensor network application development is to provide appropriate middleware service protocols to control the energy consumption according to specific application scenarios. In common application scenarios such as in monitoring or surveillance systems, it is usually necessary to extend the system monitoring area as large as possible to cover the maximal area. The two issues of power conservation and maximizing the coverage area have to be considered together with both the sensors’ communication connectivity and their power management strategy. In this chapter,the authors proposed novel enhanced sensor scheduling protocols to address the application scenario of typical surveillance systems. Their protocols take into consideration of both power conservation and coverage ratio to search for the balance between the different requirements. They proposed both centralized and de-centralized sensor scheduling versions, and compared the performance of different algorithms using several metrics. The results provide evidence of the advantages of our proposed protocols comparing with existing sensor scheduling protocols.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus infection in young children in England, 2010–2014: the importance of birth month

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (10) ◽  
pp. 2049-2056 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. REEVES ◽  
P. HARDELID ◽  
R. GILBERT ◽  
J. ELLIS ◽  
H. ZHAO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Birth Month ◽  
Laboratory Surveillance ◽  
Rsv Infection ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Positive Results

SUMMARYThe epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in young children has not recently been described in England, and is an essential step in identifying optimal target groups for future licensed RSV vaccines. We used two laboratory surveillance systems to examine the total number and number of positive RSV tests in children aged <5 years in England from 2010 to 2014. We derived odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing children by birth month, using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, season and sex. Forty-seven percent of RSV tests (29 851/63 827) and 57% (7405/13 034) of positive results in children aged <5 years were in infants aged <6 months. Moreover, 38% (4982/13 034) of positive results were in infants aged <3 months. Infants born in September, October and November had the highest odds of a positive RSV test during their first year of life compared to infants born in January (OR 2·1, 95% CI 1·7–2·7; OR 2·4, 95% CI 2·1–2·8; and OR 2·4, 95% CI 2·1–2·7, respectively). Our results highlight the importance of young age and birth month near the beginning of the RSV season to the risk of laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. Future control measures should consider protection for these groups.

scholarly journals An Improved Tabu Search Algorithm Based on Grid Search Used in the Antenna Parameters Optimization

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Di He ◽  
Yunlv Hong
Keyword(s):  
Tabu Search ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Azimuth Angle ◽  
Parameters Optimization ◽  
Small Cells ◽  
Tabu Search Algorithm ◽  
Grid Search ◽  
Mobile System ◽  
Coverage Area ◽  
Best Parameters

In the mobile system covering big areas, many small cells are often used. And the base antenna’s azimuth angle, vertical down angle, and transmit power are the most important parameters to affect the coverage of an antenna. This paper makes mathematical model and analyzes different algorithm’s performance in model. Finally we propose an improved Tabu search algorithm based on grid search, to get the best parameters of antennas, which can maximize the coverage area and minimize the interference.

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