Baseline data were extracted from a standardised interview with the resident, if capable, else with the proxy.
Data were prospectively recorded on an Access® (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) database consisting of 268 data fields compiled contemporaneously from a standardised proforma.
We extracted data onto a standardised form, which was piloted on several articles from 2009.
Nevertheless, our findings are based upon a large sample of older adults up to the age of 107 years, incorporating high quality data from validated, standardised measures collected within the framework of a rigorously conducted, high quality trial.
Data from the standardised paper-based questionnaires were subsequently entered into a purpose designed Excel database and exported into a statistical software package for analysis.
A structured protocol was drawn up before the review, including clinical data from the standardised Swedish antenatal, obstetric and neonatal records, fetal surveillance with cardiotocographic (CTG) monitoring, fetal blood sampling (FBS), the partogram (i.e. recording of signs of dystocia during labour) and use of oxytocin.
The resulting uncertainty factor of 0.0376 was applied in addition to the DC factor to reduce the measured deposition data from the standardised technical sampling to 0.94% (0.25 × 0.0376 = 0.0094 = 0.94%) of initial values.
We retrieved data from the standardised antenatal and obstetric records used throughout Sweden, CTG recordings from during labour, and the neonatal case records.
Data from this standardised patient study suggest that hospital discharge letters are important for follow-up care; however, the length of the letter is not a reliable proxy for their perceived helpfulness in aftercare.
