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Table 3 Calculation for establishing the required sample size, assuming the worst case scenario for each adverse event (AE) indicator

From: Accuracy of using automated methods for detecting adverse events from electronic health record data: a research protocol

Adverse event (AE) indicator

Worst case scenario a

AE positive

AE negative b

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP)

237

3,099

Central venous catheter-associated blood stream infection (CVC-BSI)

237

3,099

In-hospital fall

165

2,161

Total

639

3,099

Total number of charts to be reviewed if worst case scenario

3,738

  1. aBased on optimal sample sizes provided in Table 2 (see values in italics). bTo minimize the costs associated with performing chart review, all AE negative patients will be selected so that they are negative for all three AEs according to the automated detection algorithms. As such, 3,099 is the largest number of AE negative patients required, assuming the worst case scenario.