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Comparison of cluster detection using patients and events of medically treated self-inflicted injuries in Alberta, Canada

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Abstract

Geographic regions may be routinely evaluated for high rates of disease through statistical cluster detection tests. Areas with statistically higher rates can be targeted for further epidemiological study and possible interventions. Generally these tests are performed on incident or prevalent cases of a disease, and are not necessarily applicable to the health services context. We examine a new method appropriate for health services data and introduce this new method to health services researchers through a case study of self-inflicted injury presentations to emergency departments (EDs). We consider spatial clustering with two approaches. A case-based method uses only the number of patients whereas an event-based method uses the number of patients and the number of ED presentations. Analyses are adjusted by the age and gender distribution and restricted to a sub-group of the population. Several potential clusters are identified within each method. The case-based method identifies 10 geographic areas with statistically higher numbers of individuals seeking ED care and the event-based method identifies nine geographic areas with statistically higher numbers of ED presentations. These potential clusters are not likely to have occurred by chance alone, given the age and gender distribution. The two testing procedures illustrate different aspects of the data: individuals and presentations. The potential clusters based on individual cases suggest areas that may need special intervention programs and services. The clustering of presentations may represent areas that require increased provision of health services.

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Acknowledgements

Drs. Rosychuk and Colman are supported by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR; Edmonton, AB) as Population Health Investigators. Dr. Rowe is supported by the Government of Canada through the 21st Century Canada Research Chairs Program (Ottawa, ON) as a Canada Research Chair. The authors thank Alberta Health and Wellness for providing the data and Alberta map. This study is based in part on data provided by Alberta Health and Wellness. The interpretation and conclusions contained herein are those of the researchers and do not necessarily represent the views of the Government of Alberta. Neither the Government nor Alberta Health and Wellness express any opinion in relation to this study. The Canadian map inset was produced by Natural Resources Canada. This work was completed as a sub-study of the ED Atlas Group. Other members of the group, not listed as authors (in alphabetical order), are: M Bullard, MD; W Craig, MD, MSc; BR Holroyd, MD; D Johnson, MD; TP Klassen, MD, MSc; D Schopflocher; PhD; C Spooner, BScN, MSc; L Svenson, BSc; N Yiannakoulias, MA; D Voaklander, PhD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Rhonda J. Rosychuk

  2. School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Ian Colman & Brian H. Rowe

  3. Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Brian H. Rowe

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  1. Rhonda J. Rosychuk
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  2. Ian Colman
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  3. Brian H. Rowe
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Correspondence to Rhonda J. Rosychuk.

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Rosychuk, R.J., Colman, I. & Rowe, B.H. Comparison of cluster detection using patients and events of medically treated self-inflicted injuries in Alberta, Canada. Health Serv Outcomes Res Method 9, 100–116 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10742-009-0048-0

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