Can quality improvement improve the quality of care? A systematic review of reported effects and methodological rigor in plan-do-study-act projects.

Background: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method is widely used in quality improvement (QI) strategies. However, previous studies have indicated that methodological problems are frequent in PDSA-based QI projects. Furthermore, it has been difficult to establish an association between the use of PDSA and improvements in clinical practices and patient outcomes.

A Nationwide Study of Prevalence Rates and Characteristics of 199 Chronic Conditions in Denmark.

Background: Real-world data of disease prevalence represents an important but underutilised source of evidence for health economic modelling.

Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate nationwide prevalence rates and summarise the characteristics of 199 chronic conditions using Danish population-based health registers, to provide an off-the-shelf tool for decision makers and researchers.

Methods: The study population comprised all Danish residents aged 16 years or above on 1 January 2013 (n = 4,555,439).