There are a number of Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) classification systems that have evolved over the past 2 decades, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. DRG systems are used for case-mix trending, utilization management and quality improvement, comparative reporting, prospective payment, and price negotiations. For any of these applications it is essential to know the accuracy with w...

OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of opportunistic brief interventions for problem drinking in a general hospital setting. DESIGN Systematic review. DATA SOURCES Medline, PsychInfo, Cochrane Library, reference lists from identified studies and review articles, and contact with experts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Change in alcohol consumption. RESULTS Eight studies were retrieved. Most ...

AIM With the increasingly litigious nature of medical practice, accurate documentation is critical. This is particularly true for operative procedures, and medical councils have identified this and published guidelines to aid surgeons. However, these remain a frequently cited weakness in their defence in medico-legal cases. This study assessed the accuracy of operative notes in a general surger...