Study of long-acting reversible contraceptive use in a UK primary care database: Validation of methodology. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cea Soriano, Lucía; Wallander, Mari-Ann; Andersson, Susan W.; Requena, Gema; García-Rodríguez, Luis A
• Is Part Of: European journal of contraception & reproductive health care. Volume 19:Number 1(2014:Feb.)
• Page Start: 22
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Periodicals; Contraception -- Periodicals; Reproductive Medicine -- Periodicals; 613.9
• DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2013.852170
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1362-5187

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Objectives</bold> To develop and validate algorithms to identify new users of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) in a primary care database, The Health Improvement Network (THIN).</p> <p> <bold>Methods</bold> Women in THIN aged 12 to 49 years in 2005 were studied. THIN was searched using Read and MULTILEX codes to identify new users of copper intrauterine devices (Cu-IUDs), the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and progestogen-only implants. Validation was undertaken for a randomly selected sample of 398 LARC users, in which their primary care physicians were asked to complete a questionnaire detailing LARC use.</p> <p> <bold>Results</bold> Questionnaires were received for 379 patients (95%), confirming 316 (83%) as new LARC users. Confirmation rates for Cu-IUDs, the LNG-IUS and progestogen-only implants were 64%, 94% and 89%, respectively. The use of Read codes alone had the lowest confirmation rate, particularly for Cu-IUD users. Confirmation rates increased by using MULTILEX codes when available, or by examination of computerised medical records.</p> <p> <bold>Conclusions</bold> Computer algorithms were used to identify new LARC users. While THIN is a useful resource for studying LARC uptake, steps to gather additional information are necessary to ensure the validity of LARC classification.</p> </abstract>