We have been discussing the importance of secondary data, who uses it and why. First of all, secondary data is data that has been taken from health records and entered into databases and registries It is used for various purposes including research, administration purposes, health of the population, quality, performance, and safety of patients. It is used by various users including health care workers, medical staff, federal agencies and data banks.
Secondary data is usually aggregate data, or deidentified so the information can be used without any personal information tying it to the individual it is about. This keeps patient information private. However, just because it may not identify the patient, it is just as critical to protect this information as it is to protect primary data.
I never realized that E-codes could be used as a secondary data source. I thought it was just a code we had to use for places where traumas occurred. I now know they are very important for trauma registries. Trauma registries keep track of traumas that are reported from trauma centers, emergency rooms, and other ambulatory centers. If the E-code is not coded correctly, it can make an impact on society. ATV's and off road motorcycles are probably among the most incorrectly coded situations. When it is coded for either of these, they may mistakenly be coded as a highway accident and not off road. It is important for people's safety to get this right. If there is an abundance of accidents in a certain area, that area needs to be looked into to see if there is something unsafe, or signs need to be posted.
We also discussed state laws concerning child abuse and neglect. I have had some up close and personal experiences with this situation on many levels so I am very happy that the laws have changed to help to protect the victims. Also, in this day and age, more people are willing to stand up fro a victim when they see the abuse going on. Years ago...and some still do this....people would turn their heads and say that it was none of their business to get involved int he abuse/ neglect of a child.. Well, guess what?..somebody has to protect these children and it is about time laws encourage people to do so by protecting them from civil and criminal charges for getting involved.
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