4001. Using DSS Clinical and Economic Data in Quality of Care Research
Margaret R Kraft, PhD, RN, VA Information Resource Center (VIReC) and Loyala University Chicago, MR Kraft, VA Information Resource Center (VIReC), J Lowe, VHA Rocky Mountain Network DSS Manager, E McSherry, Bedford DSS Support Office, Bedford VAMC, DM Reker, Kansas City VAMC and Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center and Kansas University Medical Center

Objectives: To introduce the VA research community to potential uses of DSS data in research related to quality of care.

Methods: Panelists will address four applications of DSS clinical data to research and quality improvement initiatives. Presentations will focus on data utility, data access, data quality, application methods, objectives, results, and implications for future use of DSS data. The topics include:

Results: A National Performance Monitor for Diabetics using Four DSS Reports. Elizabeth McSherry/ George Busch Cost and Effectiveness of Open vs. Laparoscopy Hernia Surgery: Using DSS Surgery and Pharmacy Data. Margaret Kraft/Denise Hynes The Use of DSS Data to Validate Chart Review Data in the Care of Stroke Patients. Dean Reker Using DSS in Patient Selection for Tele-Home Health Monitoring in VISN 19. Jeanie Lowe

Conclusions: Research and quality improvement efforts underway using DSS offer knowledge and methods that should be useful in other initiatives.

Impact: DSS offers readily available clinical and economic information that can contribute to system, process and performance improvement by supporting the measurement of quality and clinical outcomes.

Panel: Dr. Denise Hynes, Director, VIReC, Hines, Il. Dr. Elizabeth McSherry, DSS Director of Development, BTSO Dr. George Bush,Clinical Director of Database, DSS Program, BTSO Dr. Dean Reker, Research Scientist,Kansas City VAMC/Rehabilitation Outcomes Research Center, Gainesville VAMC Ms. Jeanie Lowe, Rocky Mountain Network DSS Manager,Cheyenne, WY. Dr. Margaret Kraft, Research Associate, VireC, Hines, Il.