Rotterdam general practitioners report (ROHAPRO): a computerised network of general practices in Rotterdam, The...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Primary Care Informatics

Background:

• Dutch public health services require epidemiological data for collective preventive care.
• General practices are increasingly computerized, offering a potential data source.
• Assessing the utility of general practice data for public health surveillance is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of obtaining useful epidemiological data from computerized general practices.
• To establish a regional epidemiological registration system.
• To compare cardiovascular risk factor distribution across ethnic groups.

Main Methods:

• A computerized sentinel practice network was established in Rotterdam in 1990.
• Collaboration involved the Municipal Health Service, Erasmus University, and local general practitioners.
• Data collection from 20 general practitioners (>40,000 patients) was utilized for a cardiovascular risk factor study.

Main Results:

• A functional regional epidemiological registration system was successfully developed.
• Significant ethnic variations in cardiovascular risk factors were identified, with Turkish men showing less favorable profiles.
• The system facilitated improved collaboration in preventive programs like cervical screening and influenza vaccination.

Conclusions:

• Computerized general practices present significant opportunities for epidemiological research.
• These systems enhance collaborative preventive activities between public health services and general practitioners.
• Data from general practices can inform targeted public health interventions.