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Evaluation of an integrated system for classification, assessment and comparison of services for long-term care in Europe: the eDESDE-LTC study

Abstract

Background

The harmonization of European health systems brings with it a need for tools to allow the standardized collection of information about medical care. A common coding system and standards for the description of services are needed to allow local data to be incorporated into evidence-informed policy, and to permit equity and mobility to be assessed. The aim of this project has been to design such a classification and a related tool for the coding of services for Long Term Care (DESDE-LTC), based on the European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS).

Methods

The development of DESDE-LTC followed an iterative process using nominal groups in 6 European countries. 54 researchers and stakeholders in health and social services contributed to this process. In order to classify services, we use the minimal organization unit or “Basic Stable Input of Care” (BSIC), coded by its principal function or “Main Type of Care” (MTC). The evaluation of the tool included an analysis of feasibility, consistency, ontology, inter-rater reliability, Boolean Factor Analysis, and a preliminary impact analysis (screening, scoping and appraisal).

Results

DESDE-LTC includes an alpha-numerical coding system, a glossary and an assessment instrument for mapping and counting LTC. It shows high feasibility, consistency, inter-rater reliability and face, content and construct validity. DESDE-LTC is ontologically consistent. It is regarded by experts as useful and relevant for evidence-informed decision making.

Conclusion

DESDE-LTC contributes to establishing a common terminology, taxonomy and coding of LTC services in a European context, and a standard procedure for data collection and international comparison.

Category

Academic article

Language

English

Author(s)

  • Luis Salvador-Carulla
  • Javier Alvarez-Galvez
  • Cristina Romero
  • Mencia R. Gutierrez-Colosia
  • Germain Weber
  • David McDaid
  • Hristo Dimitrov
  • Lilijana Sprah
  • Birgitte Kalseth
  • Giuseppe Tibaldi
  • Jose A. Salinas-Perez
  • Carolina Lagares-Franco
  • Maria Teresa Roma-Ferri
  • Sonia Johnson

Affiliation

  • Spain
  • University of Sydney
  • Loyola University Andalucia
  • University of Vienna
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Bulgaria
  • Slovenia
  • SINTEF Digital / Health Research
  • Italy
  • University of Cádiz
  • University of Alicante
  • University College London

Year

2013

Published in

BMC Health Services Research

ISSN

1472-6963

Publisher

BioMed Central (BMC)

Volume

13

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