Creating a New Index to Measure Rheumatoid Arthritis Severity
Author Information
Author(s): Ting Gladys, Schneeweiss Sebastian, Scranton Richard, Katz Jeffrey N, Weinblatt Michael E, Young Melissa, Avorn Jerry, Solomon Daniel H
Primary Institution: Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
Can a claims-based index for rheumatoid arthritis severity be developed using existing health care utilization data?
Conclusion
The newly developed claims-based index for rheumatoid arthritis severity (CIRAS) shows moderate correlations with a previously validated medical records-based index.
Supporting Evidence
- The CIRAS demonstrated moderate correlations with the RARBIS with medication and without medication.
- The study used a cohort of 120 patients from the VA Health System.
- The RARBIS was previously validated and showed good construct validity.
Takeaway
Researchers made a new way to measure how severe rheumatoid arthritis is by looking at health care data instead of just medical records.
Methodology
The study used linear regression models to develop a claims-based index and compared it with a medical records-based index.
Potential Biases
The reliance on administrative data may introduce biases related to how data is collected and recorded.
Limitations
The study's findings may not be generalizable beyond the older male population of the VA Health System.
Participant Demographics
The study population was predominantly male with a mean age of 71 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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