D514 ANALYTICAL METHODS OF
HEALTHCARE LEADERS EXAM Q&A
Pearson's correlation - ANSWER-Pearson's correlation is used with interval and
ordinal scale data and determines the extent to which a change in one variable tends
to be associated with a change in another.
Qualitative research methods - ANSWER-Qualitative research is aimed at
understanding perceptions, perspectives, interpretations, and opinions. Qualitative
research methods often include questionnaires, interviews, written documents,
observations, and focus groups.
Ratio data - ANSWER-Divide one quantity by another, and you have a value. You
will have a proportion, a percentage or a rate.
Reliability, validity, and analysis of questionnaires - ANSWER-Questionnaires can be
evaluated for reliability based on their consistency (stability) or repeatability over
time; questionnaires are valid if they measure or record what they purport to
measure. Data from questionnaires may then be grouped according to nominal,
ordinal, or interval or ratio data.
Research - ANSWER-Research can inform decisions regarding the development
and efficacy of new processes, systems, technologies, environments, and
organizational structures to support operations.
Research platform - ANSWER-Research is built on a platform of previous
knowledge, the scientific method.
Integrity - ANSWER-Research always makes some assumptions, depending on the
type of method used. Research assumptions must be identified to determine
possible breaches of integrity.
Interval data - ANSWER-Interval data includes units of equal size, such as IQ
results. There is no zero point. An example of interval scale is time: Time is
measured in 24 hours in each day; the time between each hour is the same, 60
minutes.
Mean - ANSWER-Mean is the arithmetic average. Divide the sum of all scores by the
total number of scores.
Median - ANSWER-Median is the midpoint of the distribution of values, or the point
above or below which 50 percent of the values fall.
Methods section components - ANSWER-When analyzing the quality of a study, a
careful evaluation of the research methods can reveal critical details about
population and sample, covariables and hypothesis, data presentation, statistical
analysis, and study limitations.
, Misleading statistics - ANSWER-Interpreting and presenting the results of data
analysis affords many opportunities for accidental or deliberate misrepresentations of
data. Common examples include implying causation, extrapolating beyond the
reasonable, relying on a biased or incomplete sample, and using inappropriate
graphical representations.
Mode - ANSWER-Mode is the value that occurs most frequently in the data.
Multivariate regression analyses - ANSWER-Multivariate regression analyses can be
used to analyze and adjust risk. This analysis model contrasts each measured factor
to the patient's risk of a particular outcome.
Risk adjustment - ANSWER-Risk adjustment is essential for comparing data across
systems, especially among patients with varying comorbid diseases and complex
treatment modalities. Multivariate regression analyses can be used to analyze and
adjust risk. This analysis model looks at each measured factor to the patient's risk of
a particular outcome.
Risk of error and harm - ANSWER-Studies should include an analysis of any
sources of error as well as a thorough explanation of the consequences associated
with a particular study treatment.
Sample size - ANSWER-The design of the study provides insight into an appropriate
number and volume of each variable. The calculation of statistical confidence factors
informs the validity testing of the study sample size.
Standard Deviation - ANSWER-Standard deviation determines the amount of
variance in a set of data and evaluates the degree to which each case deviates from
the average, or mean.
Statistical significance - ANSWER-The observation is statistically significant if the
null hypothesis is rejected. In a research study, the null hypothesis states there is no
association between the independent and dependent variables in a study.
t-test - ANSWER-The t-test helps the researcher to compare whether two groups
have different average values. A paired t-test is used when each observation in one
group is paired with a related observation in another.
Variables - ANSWER-The independent variable is the factor that is directly
manipulated by the researchers. The dependent variable is the measurable variable
that depends on the independent variable.
Master Population/Patient Index (MPI) - ANSWER-Assigns specific medical record
number to avoid duplicate patient records. Includes patient's demographic
information and dates of encounters.
Disease Registries - ANSWER-Secondary data gathered on patient diagnosis,
condition, and procedure. Used for public health purposes and documenting disease
prevalence.
HEALTHCARE LEADERS EXAM Q&A
Pearson's correlation - ANSWER-Pearson's correlation is used with interval and
ordinal scale data and determines the extent to which a change in one variable tends
to be associated with a change in another.
Qualitative research methods - ANSWER-Qualitative research is aimed at
understanding perceptions, perspectives, interpretations, and opinions. Qualitative
research methods often include questionnaires, interviews, written documents,
observations, and focus groups.
Ratio data - ANSWER-Divide one quantity by another, and you have a value. You
will have a proportion, a percentage or a rate.
Reliability, validity, and analysis of questionnaires - ANSWER-Questionnaires can be
evaluated for reliability based on their consistency (stability) or repeatability over
time; questionnaires are valid if they measure or record what they purport to
measure. Data from questionnaires may then be grouped according to nominal,
ordinal, or interval or ratio data.
Research - ANSWER-Research can inform decisions regarding the development
and efficacy of new processes, systems, technologies, environments, and
organizational structures to support operations.
Research platform - ANSWER-Research is built on a platform of previous
knowledge, the scientific method.
Integrity - ANSWER-Research always makes some assumptions, depending on the
type of method used. Research assumptions must be identified to determine
possible breaches of integrity.
Interval data - ANSWER-Interval data includes units of equal size, such as IQ
results. There is no zero point. An example of interval scale is time: Time is
measured in 24 hours in each day; the time between each hour is the same, 60
minutes.
Mean - ANSWER-Mean is the arithmetic average. Divide the sum of all scores by the
total number of scores.
Median - ANSWER-Median is the midpoint of the distribution of values, or the point
above or below which 50 percent of the values fall.
Methods section components - ANSWER-When analyzing the quality of a study, a
careful evaluation of the research methods can reveal critical details about
population and sample, covariables and hypothesis, data presentation, statistical
analysis, and study limitations.
, Misleading statistics - ANSWER-Interpreting and presenting the results of data
analysis affords many opportunities for accidental or deliberate misrepresentations of
data. Common examples include implying causation, extrapolating beyond the
reasonable, relying on a biased or incomplete sample, and using inappropriate
graphical representations.
Mode - ANSWER-Mode is the value that occurs most frequently in the data.
Multivariate regression analyses - ANSWER-Multivariate regression analyses can be
used to analyze and adjust risk. This analysis model contrasts each measured factor
to the patient's risk of a particular outcome.
Risk adjustment - ANSWER-Risk adjustment is essential for comparing data across
systems, especially among patients with varying comorbid diseases and complex
treatment modalities. Multivariate regression analyses can be used to analyze and
adjust risk. This analysis model looks at each measured factor to the patient's risk of
a particular outcome.
Risk of error and harm - ANSWER-Studies should include an analysis of any
sources of error as well as a thorough explanation of the consequences associated
with a particular study treatment.
Sample size - ANSWER-The design of the study provides insight into an appropriate
number and volume of each variable. The calculation of statistical confidence factors
informs the validity testing of the study sample size.
Standard Deviation - ANSWER-Standard deviation determines the amount of
variance in a set of data and evaluates the degree to which each case deviates from
the average, or mean.
Statistical significance - ANSWER-The observation is statistically significant if the
null hypothesis is rejected. In a research study, the null hypothesis states there is no
association between the independent and dependent variables in a study.
t-test - ANSWER-The t-test helps the researcher to compare whether two groups
have different average values. A paired t-test is used when each observation in one
group is paired with a related observation in another.
Variables - ANSWER-The independent variable is the factor that is directly
manipulated by the researchers. The dependent variable is the measurable variable
that depends on the independent variable.
Master Population/Patient Index (MPI) - ANSWER-Assigns specific medical record
number to avoid duplicate patient records. Includes patient's demographic
information and dates of encounters.
Disease Registries - ANSWER-Secondary data gathered on patient diagnosis,
condition, and procedure. Used for public health purposes and documenting disease
prevalence.
