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KCE reports vol. 30 S Inventaris van databanken gezondheidszorg 483
homogeneous district clusters. These represent the new geographical
framework from which the geographical spread of the network is checked. This
network is subsequently corrected for such socio-demographic parameters as
age, sex and occupation in order to match more closely the total population of
Belgian general practitioners (GPs). The population covered by the network is
estimated on the basis of the annual number of patient contacts. Application of
the described procedures should result in a network allowing valid estimations
for a number of health issues as seen by Belgian GPs.
30.4.4 Registration items
30.4.4.1 Life Style
30.4.4.2 Health status
Life style parameters are only registered when required for the study theme.
E.g. alcohol abuse has been studied as a source of health problems. Other
themes dealt with suicide attempt (1982-1983, 1990-1995, 2000-2001);
intentional violence (2002-2004); drugs related problems (1984); sexual
transmittable diseases (Gonorrhoea 1979-1980, Herpes genitalis 1986-1987,
Syphilis 1979-1980); accidents where care was first administered at primary care
level (1984-1986, 1995-1996, 2002).
Again, the variables for health status depend on the theme to be studied. Since
the primary but of the sentinel GP network is to collect epidemiologic data
about important health problems, health status variables are always present.
30.4.4.3 Health Care Use
Most themes donÊt have any variables describing health care use. Yet, it
becomes more common to include some information about health care use.
Typically, this information deals with treatment parameters of the health care
problem under study. However, this information is often non-quantitative.
One specific example: Registration of all deaths (among patients aged 1 year or
more) since 2005. In this registration the number of last contacts before
death with the GP are collected up to 3 months before decease, the specific
treatments or medical aids, initiatives of palliative care, last stay (rest home,
hospital, home, palliative centre, other) and persons that delivered care.
30.4.4.4 Quality of Care
Again, the variables for quality of care depend on the theme to be studied:
some may include some information here, most do not.
30.4.4.5 General Information
Only two items are commonly collected for every survey: date of birth and sex
of the patient. Depending on the theme studied, more items may be collected,
although it is rather unusual to collect socio-economical parameters. One
example where more information is available is the current registration of all
deaths (among patients aged 1 year or more) since 2005. This includes
information about end-of-life decisions . This theme is in cooperation with Luc
Deliens (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). The registration of all deaths includes an
extended form to be filled in, including some socio-economic parameters