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Biomedical subjects

M G NEURDENBURG

Publications and source records attributed to M G NEURDENBURG.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1954

Problems of confidentiality in reporting morbidity and causes of death.

The author stresses that in the reporting of morbidity and causes of death, the confidential nature of the medical records must be respected, while at the same time sufficient and accurate information must be given for statistical purposes. Various practical measures are described. Where possible, data indispensable for general administration should be filed separately from those of exclusively statistical interest, for which it should also be possible to give a reasonable guarantee that their publication will not lead to any infringement of secrecy. Where guarantees cannot be given that confidentiality will be respected, medical practitioners may be reluctant to file a full report.

Cause of Death↗
PubMed1954

Securing cooperation from persons supplying statistical data.

Securing the co-operation of persons supplying information required for medical statistics is essentially a problem in human relations, and an understanding of the motivations, attitudes, and behaviour of the respondents is necessary.Before any new statistical survey is undertaken, it is suggested by Aubenque and Harris that a preliminary review be made so that the maximum use is made of existing information. Care should also be taken not to burden respondents with an overloaded questionnaire. Aubenque and Harris recommend simplified reporting. Complete population coverage is not necessary.Neurdenburg suggests that the co-operation and support of such organizations as medical associations and social security boards are important and that propaganda should be directed specifically to the groups whose co-operation is sought. Informal personal contacts are valuable and desirable, according to Blaikley, but may have adverse effects if the right kind of approach is not made.Financial payments as an incentive in securing co-operation are opposed by Neurdenburg, who proposes that only postage-free envelopes or similar small favours be granted. Blaikley and Harris, on the other hand, express the view that financial incentives may do much to gain the support of those required to furnish data; there are, however, other incentives, and full use should be made of the natural inclinations of respondents. Compulsion may be necessary in certain instances, but administrative rather than statutory measures should be adopted. Penalties, according to Aubenque, should be inflicted only when justified by imperative health requirements.The results of surveys should be made available as soon as possible to those who co-operated, and Aubenque and Harris point out that they should also be of practical value to the suppliers of the information.Greater co-operation can be secured from medical persons who have an understanding of the statistical principles involved; Aubenque and Neurdenburg suggest that a course in elementary statistical methodology be introduced in the curriculum of medical schools.Methods for improving co-operation, and thus the compilation of statistics, in particular countries are discussed by Lal and de Shelly Hernández, who deal with India and Venezuela respectively.

Data Collection↗