In a study at six VA medical centers, researchers used Google-like technology called "natural language processing" (NLP) to interpret free text in Veterans' electronic medical records—such as doctors' notes—and identify post-surgery complications. The new method, which outperformed an existing one that relies on administrative codes, could emerge as a powerful tool for quality improvement in VA's nationwide health system.The findings appeared in the Aug. 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The study used data on nearly 3,000 VA patients who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2006. Compared with a standard automated method that scans administrative data, NLP was better at picking up adverse post-surgery events such as lung, kidney, or heart problems. To provide a benchmark for both approaches, trained nurses manually reviewed the patient records and carefully looked for any clinical notes indicating complications. read more>>>
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