Data Collection and Processing, 1996

Data collection for the 1996 NHHCS began with a letter sent to all sampled agencies informing the administrator of the authorizing legislation, purpose, and content of the survey. Each agency was then contacted by an interviewer to discuss the survey and to arrange an appointment with the administrator.

Three questionnaires and two sampling lists were used to collect the data. The Agency Questionnaire was completed with the administrator or a person designated by the administrator.  The interviewer then constructed the Current Patient Sampling List and the Discharged Patient Sampling List. These lists were used to select the sample patients and discharges. Sampling was accomplished by using tables showing sets of sample line numbers for each possible count of current patients and discharges in the agency. Up to six current patients and six discharges were selected.

After the samples had been selected, the Current Patient Questionnaires and the Discharged Patient Questionnaires were completed for each sampled person by interviewing the staff member most familiar with the care provided to the patient. The respondent referred to patient medical and other records as necessary. No patient was interviewed directly.

After the data had been collected, it was converted into machine-readable form by NCHS. Extensive editing was then conducted by computer to ensure that all responses were accurate, consistent, logical, and complete. The medical information recorded on the patient questionnaires was coded by NCHS staff according to the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification.   Up to 12 diagnostic codes (a maximum of 6 at admission, and a maximum of 6 at the time of survey or discharge) and up to 2 procedure codes were assigned for each sample patient or discharge.