Validation of administrative population-based data sets for the detection of cesarean delivery surgical site infection

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011 Dec;32(12):1213-5. doi: 10.1086/662623. Epub 2011 Oct 13.

Abstract

We validated population-based hospital, emergency room, and physician claim databases for the detection of surgical site infections against the reference standard of clinical surveillance. Although these data sets are highly specific and could be used to define research cohorts, their low sensitivity and positive predictive value make them inadequate for use as quality indicators.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Cesarean Section / adverse effects*
  • Databases, Factual / standards*
  • Female
  • Hospital Records / standards*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Sentinel Surveillance*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / diagnosis
  • Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology*