Outcome indicators measured from medico-administrative databases

Since 2015, the French national Authority for Health (HAS) develops outcome indicators based on medico-administrative databases, using a valid method designed for quality, safety and patient outcome improvement. This work is performed with a multidisciplinary working group bringing together the expertise of the medical staff caring for patients, doctors with expertise in the coding of medical information, patients and healthcare system users.

The main advantages of the outcome indicators measured from medico-administrative databases are: their automatic calculation from existing data without an additional workload for healthcare professionals, the possible follow up over time, and their ability to identify the structures and/or patient populations needing to be investigated. However, their metrological qualities depend on coding practices, and the relatively long amount of time required for the data to be made available.Their limitations imply the need for vigilance in the use of this type of indicator for purposes other than the internal care quality and risk management.