administrative prevalence
Disease prevalence estimated from healthcare records and administrative databases rather than direct assessment.
Full Definition
Administrative prevalence refers to estimates of psychiatric disorder frequency derived from routine healthcare data sources such as electronic health records, insurance claims, or service utilization databases. While these data sources offer large sample sizes and longitudinal tracking capabilities, administrative prevalence typically underestimates true population prevalence because it only captures individuals who seek and receive formal healthcare services. This approach is valuable for understanding treated prevalence and healthcare burden but may miss undiagnosed cases or individuals who receive care outside the administrative system being studied.
Usage
Usage note: Always note limitations regarding undiagnosed or untreated cases when reporting administrative prevalence.
In Context
- "Administrative prevalence of schizophrenia was 0.6% based on healthcare claims data." — health services research
- "The gap between administrative and community prevalence suggests substantial unmet treatment needs." — public health assessment