Can the Use of Health Insurance Claim Data Benefit the Risk-Based Supervision of General Practitioner Practices? An Exploratory Study in the Netherlands.

Background: The Dutch Health and Youth Care Inspectorate has organized a study investigating whether there are benefits to using claim data in the risk-based supervision of general practitioner (GP) practices.

Methods: We identified and selected signals of risks based on interviews with experts. Next, we selected 3 indicators that could be measured in the claim database.

Is there a volume-quality relationship within the independent treatment centre sector? A longitudinal analysis.

Background: The number of independent treatment centres (ITCs) has grown substantially. However, little is known as to whether the volume-quality relationship exists within this sector and whether other possible organisational factors mediate this relationship. The aim of this study is to gain a better understanding of such possible relationships.

What is the impact on the readmission ratio of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals? A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Readmissions are used widespread as an indicator of the quality of care within hospitals. Including readmissions to other hospitals might have consequences for hospitals. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals on the readmission ratio.

Can differences in length of stay between Dutch university hospitals and other hospitals be explained by patient characteristics? A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The indicator unexpectedly long length of stay (UL-LOS) is used to gain insight into quality and safety of care in hospitals. The calculation of UL-LOS takes patients' age, main diagnosis and main procedure into account. University hospitals have relatively more patients with a UL-LOS than other hospitals.

To what degree can variations in readmission rates be explained on the level of the hospital? a multilevel study using a large Dutch database.

Background: It is not clear which part of the variation in hospital readmissions can be attributed to the standard of care hospitals provide. This is in spite of their widespread use as an indicator of a lower quality of care. The aim of this study is to assess the variation in readmissions on the hospital level after adjusting for case-mix factors.