Abstract
OBJECTIVE--To collect a valid, complete, continuous, and representative database of morbidity presenting to primary care and to use the data to help commission services on the basis of local need and effectiveness. SETTING--Computerised general practices in Somerset. METHODS--Participating general practices were selected to be representative of the district health authority population for general practice and population characteristics. All conditions presented at face to face consultations were assigned a Read code and episode type and the data were regularly validated. Data were sent by modem from the practices via a third party to the health authority each week. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Proportion of consultations coded and accuracy of coding. RESULTS--11 practices agreed to participate. Validations for completeness during April 1994 to March 1995 revealed that 96.4% of the records were coded; 94% of the 1090 records validated had appropriate episode types and 87% appropriate Read codes. The results have been used to help formulate the health authority's purchasing plans and have enabled a change in the local contracts for surgery for glue ear. CONCLUSIONS--The project has shown the feasibility of establishing a network of practices recording and reporting the morbidity seen in primary care. Early indications are that the data can be useful in evidence based purchasing.
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Selected References
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