[Methods of the EuroHOPE research program]

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Comparative Effectiveness Research
• Health Economics

Background:

• The European Health Care Outcomes, Performance and Efficiency (HOCPE) research program (2010-2013) was funded by the European Union.
• Existing healthcare data analysis methods lacked robust international benchmarking capabilities.
• There was a need for standardized methods to compare healthcare outcomes across different European countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a novel methodology for analyzing regularly collected health data.
• To enable international benchmarking of healthcare results for critical diagnosis groups.
• To create a standardized database for decision-makers, healthcare personnel, and researchers.

Main Methods:

• Development of methodological principles for data analysis and indicator creation.
• Definition of databases, code systems, and analyzable events.
• Establishment of exact data collection, processing, and analysis protocols.
• Implementation of risk adjustment methods and development of a standardized database.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive methodology was established for analyzing and benchmarking healthcare performance.
• Standardized databases were created containing patient and healthcare activity information.
• Indicator results provide a basis for root cause analysis and targeted development.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology facilitates robust international comparisons of healthcare outcomes.
• The standardized data sources and analytical tools support evidence-based decision-making in healthcare.
• The program's findings serve as a foundation for continuous improvement in European healthcare systems.