Myocardial infarction: how accurate are official statistics?

Abstract

Aim. To assess the dynamics of total myocardial infarction (MI) incidence by the data on medical assistance appealability (1992-2006), MI hospitalisations, in-hospital lethality and mean hospitalisation duration (2002-2006) in the Russian Federation (RF) as a whole and in Krasnodar Region.

Material and methods. The official medical statistics forms were used for the analysis: Form 12 and Form 14, calculating absolute increase, increase rates, absolute value of 1 % increase and other parameters.

Results. According to From 12 data, total MI incidence increased in 1992-2006, slightly decreasing during the last three years. Hospitalised MI incidence (Form 14) did not change. Both in the RF and in Krasnodar Region, hospitalised MI incidence was 1,5-1,6 times higher than that based on medical assistance appealability data, which points to inadequate MI incidence coverage. In-hospital lethality in 2002-2006 remained stable both in the RF and Krasnodar Region: 15,40 % and 15,30 % in 2002; 15,47 % and 15,10 % in 2006, respectively. Mean hospitalisation duration decreased by 20 % in Krasnodar Region and by 10 % in the RF.

Conclusion: Existing principles of MI statistical coverage in the RF are inadequate and not reflecting healthcare effects on MI morbidity and mortality. These principles should be changed, with an introduction of standard methods for disease prevalence and treatment effectiveness assessment.