Grouping systems enhance outcomes analysis

The production of outcomes data has often resulted in the collection of hundreds of additional data elements or review of massive numbers of charts. Tenet Healthcare Corporation (formerly National Medical Enterprises) developed an outcomes database using existing clinical-financial data elements with the help of two grouping systems provided by 3M Health Information Systems: all patient refined-diagnosis-related groups and ambulatory patient groups. These systems allow comparisons of outcomes within and across facilities, as is shown in specific examples in the article.