Hospital record studies as a tool for staff education: a participatory research project in Guatemala

This study examined the educational outcomes of a participatory research project in Guatemala. Using a 33.33% systematic sample of records covering an 11 year period, hospital data were collected on 9500 admissions from a small private hospital. Analysis of the data was performed by the local hospital staff and professional researchers. Interpretation of the information was primarily concerned with hospitalization trends, sociodemographic and economic characteristics, and cultural beliefs. Two of the major impacts of the study were that hospital physicians developed a stronger data orientation and gained an increased awareness of public health issues. The participatory research process led staff members to identify areas of further research and modify health education and community outreach programs.