Tag Archives: epidemiology

Querying the GHDx Database: Demonstration and Review of Application

Many data scientists interested in health are looking to query the Global Burden of Disease database, also known as the GHDx

Querying the GHDx database is challenging because of its difficult user interface, but mastering it will allow you to access country-level health data for comparisons! See my demonstration!

US Public Health Alphabet Soup Explained: What is the DHHS?

The Department of Health and Human Services in the United States is also called DHHS and HHS, and is the top level department with a mission of ensuring healthcare delivery in the US.

My answer to, “What is the DHHS?” is, “A failed department”, but it is important to examined exactly what they have failed at, and how.

Data for Meta-analysis Need to be Prepared a Certain Way – Here’s How

This is the forrest plot resulting from analysis with open source statistical software R using package rmeta.

Getting data for meta-analysis together can be challenging, so I walk you through the simple steps I take, starting with the scientific literature, and ending with a gorgeous and evidence-based Forrest plot!

US Public Health Alphabet Soup Explained: What is the BPHC?

The Bureau of Primary Healthcare is a United States federal agency that ensures safety net services to poor individuals

The United States (US) Bureau of Primary Healthcare (BPHC) is the federal agency that funds our safety net infrastructure serving patients who can’t get on Medicare or Medicaid. I explain how all that works, and the relationship of BPHC to the rest of the public health infrastructure.

US Public Health Alphabet Soup Explained: What is the APHA?

The American Public Health Association is the professional society for the occupation of public health rather than healthcare.

Curious about the American Public Health Association (APHA) – what it does, and where it fits into the bigger picture of public health organizations? I delve into these topics, and explain how you can get involved.

Recommended Model for QA/QI in Healthcare: Epidemiology and Biostatistics, not PDSA! Part 5 of 5

The Plan Do Study Act model does not use traditional epidemiological study designs that are peer-reviewed

I describe the three steps of my alternative model to the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model for quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) in healthcare.

Alternative to the PDSA Model for QA/QI in Healthcare? Old-fashioned Epidemiology and Biostatistics! Part 4 of 5

The Plan Do Study Act model does not take into account all functions of a healthcare quality improvement and assurance department

Want an alternative to the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model for quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) in healthcare? I recommend approaching QA/QI a different way, by thinking about the various functions of the QA/QI department.

Does the PDSA Model Work? Part 3 of 5

Quality assurance and improvement specialists wonder whether the Plan Do Study Act model works or not

The Plan-Do-Study-Act model is promoted for quality assurance/quality improvement in healthcare. But does it have any peer-reviewed evidence base behind it? I examine that in this blog post.

The Stages of the PDSA Model: What do they Really Mean? Part 2 of 5

Implementing the Plan Do Study Act model is very cost- and labor-intensive but it is possible to get a return on investment

What are the stages of the PDSA model, and how do they relate to the functions of a QA/QI department in healthcare? The answers are not straightforward. I examine these issues in this blog post.

Quality Improvement in Healthcare: What is the PDSA Model, and How Well Does it Work for QA/QI? Part 1 of 5

The Plan Do Study Act model has been used for healthcare QA/QI, but it's not a framework that succeeds.

Wondering what the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Model is, and if you should adopt it for quality improvement in healthcare? Read my series of blog posts on the subject for my personal experience and recommendations

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